Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Albany, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and long-term skin care, especially during peak exposure times when the index reaches its maximum of 10 between noon and 2 PM. Albany's Dfa climate brings warm summers and can lead to elevated UV exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to monitor these levels for safe outdoor activities. Embrace the sun responsibly by being UV-aware!
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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. April (UV Index 9) marks the beginning of very high exposure, escalating to an extreme level (UV Index 11) in June, where burn times are as short as 10 minutes. Monthly UV indices frequently remain in the very high category (UV Index 9-10) through July and August before tapering off in September. During these months, residents and visitors should take proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM. As exposure decreases in the fall and winter months, with UV Index values dropping to moderate levels (UV Index 3-5), individuals should still practice sun safety, especially on clear days.
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 |
| Albany | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |