Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of Springfield, United States, where the sun can be both a source of joy and a potential hazard. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Springfield's Dfa climate, characterized by hot summers and ample sunshine, the risk of harmful UV exposure peaks around midday. This makes it all the more important to check the UV Index daily and take appropriate precautions, especially when levels rise to 9—indicative of very high UV radiation during the peak hours of 11 AM to 2 PM. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and sun-smart!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, starting low at 1 at 07:00 AM and gradually climbing. By 09:00 AM, it hits 3, but the real intensity kicks in by 12:00 PM, peaking at an impressive 8. The UV levels reach their zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where they maintain a high of 9, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon fades, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 4:00 PM and further to 4 at 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index settles back down to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a vivid reminder of the sun’s strength—safety and sun protection are key during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |