Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Fairfax, United States, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With UV levels peaking at 10 during the early afternoon, a solid awareness of these measurements can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Fairfax, characterized by its humid continental climate (Dfa), exposes residents to high UV radiation, particularly in the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions—like wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index today reveals a clear pattern of solar intensity peaking as the day progresses. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00, it steadily climbs to 2 by 08:00 and further to 3 by 09:00. The sun asserts its dominance with a 6 at 10:00, escalating dramatically to 8 at 11:00. The intensity reaches its zenith with a staggering 10 from 13:00 to 14:00, the point at which sun safety becomes crucial. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and further cooling to 4 by 17:00. The evening ushers in a return to more manageable levels, with 2 at 18:00 and winding down to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely, savoring the sun's rays during the peak hours while taking precautions to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | 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 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the late spring and summer months. April marks the start of this high-risk season with a UV Index of 8, classified as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This peak intensity continues through June when the UV Index reaches 10, before slightly decreasing in September. Notably, May, June, July, and August are critical months where the UV Index remains consistently at 9 or 10, posing a considerable risk for sunburn and skin damage. As a precaution, visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, particularly during peak sun hours. In contrast, the UV Index significantly drops in the fall and winter, with January, February, and March presenting moderate risks, and December experiencing a low UV index, making sun protection less critical during that time.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 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 |