Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bethany, United States, where sunny days and seasonal warmth present both fun opportunities and potential risks. The UV Index informs us of the sun's intensity, helping to prevent harmful sunburns and promote better skin health. With a climate classified as Dfa, Bethany experiences a variety of UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking around midday with values reaching up to 10—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin by checking the UV Index regularly and taking the necessary precautions!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of solar intensity. Morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and a gradual rise to 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at a striking 10 at 13:00, signaling the most intense sun exposure, making it prudent for sun protection. From 14:00, the UV Index begins to dip, yet remains significant at 9, before tapering off to 5 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the levels drop further, resting at 1 by 19:00. This hourly progression showcases the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during those midday hours when the UV radiation is at its highest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risk associated with sun exposure. January and February exhibit a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, allowing for about 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high UV Index of 6, with a recommended burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk months peak in April and May, both featuring a very high UV Index of 9, reducing safe exposure to just 15 minutes. The UV Index reaches its maximum in June and July, categorized as extreme (11), where a mere 10 minutes of sun can result in burns. In August and September, UV levels remain very high at 9, with the same short burn time of 15 minutes. Finally, UV exposure drops back to high in October (6) and returns to moderate levels by November and December (4 and 3, respectively), allowing 30 minutes of safer sun exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March to September, particularly during April through July, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Bethany | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 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 |