Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Center City, United States, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels rising sharply throughout the day—peaking at a concerning 10 around midday—it's essential to prioritize sunburn prevention and maintain skin health. Awareness of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, reducing the risk of harmful effects from intense sunlight. In this Dfb climate zone, where sunny days are common, being mindful of UV exposure is key to enjoying the great outdoors safely.
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index starts off mild with a maximum of 1 to 2, making it a safe time for early outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels rise sharply, reaching 4 by 09:00 and hitting 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 13:00 with a significant 10, indicating high exposure risk, perfect for applying sunscreen and seeking shade. As we move into the afternoon, levels gradually decrease, tapering to 9 by 14:00 and falling back to a more manageable 4 by 17:00. By evening, UV levels drop to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking a safe return for those looking to enjoy twilight outdoors. Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During this peak period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches 10 and 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should pay special attention to April through August as these months represent the highest risk for UV exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November show much lower UV levels, categorized as low or moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. It is advisable for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August, to minimize the chance of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center City | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 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 |