Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Oxford, United States, where the climate can contribute to varying UV exposure throughout the year. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a Dfb climate, Oxford residents face unique challenges, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 10 at noon, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures to protect against harmful effects. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
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.
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure and risk. January and December feature low UV levels (index of 2), with burn times of 45 minutes, providing a safer window for outdoor activities. However, as we transition into February and March, the index rises to moderate levels (4 and 5), shortening burn times to 30 minutes. The arrival of April marks the beginning of high-risk months, peaking in June and July when the UV Index reaches a critical 10, indicating very high exposure risks and necessitating protective measures with burn times of just 15 minutes. August remains similarly high with an index of 9, but the risk begins to decrease in September (UV index 7) and continues to diminish towards October and November. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun safety during the spring and summer months; apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from April to August.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |