Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lowell, United States, as it serves as a valuable tool for sun safety. The UV Index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, helping you make informed decisions about outdoor activities to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Given Lowell's Dfb climate, which experiences significant seasonal variations, knowing the local UV levels—peaking at a high of 9 during the midday hours—can significantly reduce the risk of harmful sun exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the outdoors safely by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
Starting from 07:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, perfect for a morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity gradually increases: reaching 3 by 09:00 AM and then escalating to 4 at 10:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 01:00 PM, with a striking UV Index of 9, suggesting it's vital to seek shade or apply sunscreen during this hour. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 8 at 03:00 PM and 6 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops back to 4 at 05:00 PM, and then gently falls to 2 by 06:00 PM, before settling back at 1 near sunset. It's a day to stay sun-smart!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, highlighting periods of higher risk for sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, with February seeing an increase. April to August marks the peak high-risk months, featuring very high UV levels, particularly in June and July, where the burn time drops to a remarkable 15 minutes. September transitions into a high UV category, while October to December see a gradual decline, returning to low risk by year's end. To protect yourself, especially during the high UV months of April through August, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize exposure. Be particularly vigilant during the summer months when burn time is significantly reduced.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 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 |