Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Starkville, United States, is crucial for everyone who enjoys the sun, as it plays a significant role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With Starkville's humid subtropical climate, residents and visitors alike face notable UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a maximum of 11 around midday. Staying informed about local UV levels not only helps minimize the risk of skin damage, but also promotes long-term wellness. So, whether you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure or a leisurely day in the sun, being aware of the UV Index is your first step toward safe sun enjoyment.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months and indicating the best precautions for sun exposure. January and December see moderate UV levels (Index 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. February marks the transition to high UV levels (Index 7) and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk period begins in March, escalating to very high levels (Index 8 and higher) in April and an extreme UV Index of 11 from May through August. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, limiting sun exposure to just 10 minutes and using protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade to prevent skin damage. Risk levels decrease in September and October, providing some relief, though caution should still be exercised given the high index readings. In summary, stay vigilant during the peak months of May to August, ensuring safe sun practices to guard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Starkville | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |