Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As a city with a Cfa climate—characterized by humid subtropical conditions—Hattiesburg experiences high UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index soars above 9. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to take precautions during sunny days. With UV readings reaching their highest at noon and early afternoon, staying informed enables you to enjoy the sunshine safely while safeguarding your skin's integrity.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching a maximum of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—a time when protective measures are crucial. The peak UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety, as conditions can be particularly harsh. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index wanes to a mellow 1 by 19:00, suggesting a return to safer exposure levels. Keep in mind that tracking the UV Index throughout the day can help protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February through August. During this period, the UV Index reaches its peak, consistently showing an extreme category of 11 for the summer months. In April, the UV Index escalates to 11, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, particularly from February to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage. As the season transitions into September and October, the UV Index declines to 10 and 8, respectively, indicating a slightly lower risk, yet protective measures remain important. In the cooler months of November and December, the UV Index decreases further to 6 and 4, where the risk is manageable but still requires some attention to prevent overexposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Hattiesburg | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |