Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Madison, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. With a Dfb climate characterized by warm summers, the UV exposure can reach notable levels, peaking at 9 around midday. Awareness of these UV levels is essential not only for enjoying outdoor activities safely but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As the sun rises and the UV Index climbs, it’s important to take precautions when you venture outside, especially during those midday hours when the risk is at its highest. Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way in preserving your skin's vitality!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | 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 the UV levels. January starts off with a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes before protection is needed. As we move into February and March, the UV Index remains at 5, still in the moderate category. However, starting in April, UV exposure escalates with an Index of 7, indicating a high risk of harm, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May through August, where the Index reaches a very high level of 9 to 10, allowing only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. September and October see a decrease back to high and moderate levels respectively, with UV Index readings of 7 and 5, and burn times of 25 and 30 minutes. The year rounds out with lower risks in November and December, where the UV Index drops to 3 and 2, with burn times extending to 30 and 45 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months of April to August by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 3 | 5 | 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 |