UV Index in Buffalo, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Buffalo, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health. With Buffalo's Cfa climate, residents face unique challenges, especially during summer months when UV exposure peaks at midday, reaching levels as high as 11. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin.

Hourly UV Index in Buffalo

The UV Index for today shows a dramatic rise as the sun ascends into the sky. Starting at a mild 1 by 07:00, the index gradually builds, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at an intense 11 at 13:00—a level where sun protection is crucial. From this pinnacle, the values start to decline, tapering off to 10 at 14:00 and then gradually decreasing through the afternoon and evening, with values of 6 at 16:00 and sliding down to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly, and remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	very high	15 min
16:00	6	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Buffalo

During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. April and May both feature a very high UV Index of 10, while June and July reach an extreme level of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time decreases significantly during these months, dropping to just 10 minutes in June and July. Conversely, UV levels are moderate in January, November, and December, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of overexposure. Awareness of these UV changes is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Buffalo, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Buffalo. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Buffalo, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Buffalo UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Buffalo compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Buffalo's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Buffalo	3	6	7	10	10	11	11	10	9	7	5	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