UV Index in Birmingham, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Birmingham, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun reaches its peak intensity around midday, awareness of UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection. Birmingham's Dfb climate, characterized by distinct seasons, frequently brings high UV exposure during summer months, with values soaring to 10, especially around noon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can effectively protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the outdoors safely year-round.

Hourly UV Index in Birmingham

The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun intensity. Starting off gently, the morning hours at 07:00 and 08:00 register a low index of 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, the UV index rises sharply, hitting 4 by 10:00 and peaking at a striking 10 between 13:00 and 14:00—an indicator of potential harm to unprotected skin. After this zenith, the UV levels begin to gracefully descend, settling back to 4 by 17:00 and tapering down to 1 again by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder that while midday sun can be inviting, protection is essential during peak hours.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	7	high	25 min
12:00	8	very high	15 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	8	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Birmingham

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, particularly peaking in the summer months. From April to August, visitors and residents should be especially vigilant as the UV Index reaches levels classified as very high (9-10), with minimal burn times of only 15 minutes. The highest risk months are June and July, which demand strict sun protection measures. Conversely, the winter months of January and December present lower UV exposure (Index 2), allowing for longer safe sun exposure—45 minutes before burning occurs. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during high-risk months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Birmingham, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Birmingham. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Birmingham, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Birmingham UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Birmingham compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Birmingham's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Birmingham	2	4	5	9	9	10	10	9	8	5	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