Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Polkville, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), residents can experience elevated UV levels, particularly during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, where values can soar to a formidable 11. Being aware of these UV exposure risks not only helps protect your skin but also encourages outdoor activities while fostering a safer environment. With this guide to the UV Index, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to enjoy the sunshine responsibly and prioritize your well-being.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This is the moment when sun safety is crucial, urging everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. The morning starts moderately, with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, ascending to 4 by 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, the index reaches 6, then spikes to 9 at 11:00 AM as the sun climbs higher. After the midday peak, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 3 by 5:00 PM, and settling at 1 again by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the highest UV Index hours, staying protected is essential!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from April to August, where levels reach 11 to 12 and are categorized as extreme. This indicates a burn time of only 10 minutes during these peak months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as exposure can lead to serious skin damage. March and September also present elevated risks with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, categorized as very high. It's advisable for everyone to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is most intense. In comparison, the months of January, December, and November see lower UV indices (ranging from 4 to 6), where the burn time increases to 25-30 minutes, though sun protection is still recommended.
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 |
| Polkville | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |