Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Amherst, United States, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. In this vibrant city, where the climate is categorized as Dfb, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of ultraviolet exposure, particularly during the summer months when UV readings can soar. With peak UV Index values reaching 9 around noon, it’s vital to recognize the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By being aware of these levels, you can take essential precautions to enjoy the sun safely and maintain your skin health year-round.
The UV Index today presents a notable climb as the sun ascends, peaking at 9 around noon and early afternoon, signaling very high sun exposure risk. Starting gently at 1 by 7 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 6 by 10 AM and then surging to its maximum of 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Early afternoon brings a slight decline to 8 at 2 PM, followed by a gradual decrease through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this trajectory, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, ensuring skin protection against harmful UV rays. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index starts off in the moderate range (3-6), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes in January and February, but decreases to 25 minutes in March. The high-risk months emerge from April to September, where the Index rises dramatically to the very high range (8-10), with a critical burn time dropping as low as 15 minutes in April, May, June, July, August, and September. October sees a decline back to a high UV Index (6), allowing for 25 minutes of exposure before burning, while November and December move back into moderate and low categories (4 and 2, respectively) with more forgiving burn times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly when the UV Index is at its peak in the summer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |