Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Center, United States, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation at any given time, helping residents and visitors alike prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a Dfa climate characterized by warm summers and varying sun exposure, it's crucial to stay informed about daily UV levels, especially when they peak around noon—hitting a significantly high value of 10. By knowing when UV radiation is highest, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a significant peak during midday. Starting at a modest level of 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00, and rises to 3 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00, hitting 5, before reaching its zenith at 13:00 with a high of 10—a crucial reminder to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently decreases, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and further to 5 by 16:00. By evening, it cools down to 3 at 17:00, tapering off to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay protected when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which indicates the potential for skin damage due to solar radiation. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from March to September, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11, where burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during midday hours. A significant drop in UV exposure occurs from October to February, where the levels generally remain moderate to high, and burn times increase to 30 minutes in January and November. Staying informed about the UV Index can help ensure safe outdoor activities throughout the year.
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 |
| Center | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |