Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Springfield, as it directly influences sun safety and skin health. With UV levels reaching a peak of 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Springfield's Dfa climate brings vibrant summers, but also increased UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays!
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a remarkable ascent, peaking at an impressive 10 from 1 PM to 2 PM. Starting from a low of 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually escalates, reaching 9 by noon. The sun's intensity continues to grow, prompting caution as it hits 8 at 11 AM and maintains a 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM, marking the day's most hazardous exposure levels. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, falling to 6 at 4 PM, before tapering off to 2 by 6 PM and finally resting at 1 at 7 PM. This dynamic swing emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM.
| 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 | 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 | 9 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 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 |