Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Helena Valley West Central, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV levels, especially peaking between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, can reach as high as 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Understanding these levels is vital not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting against long-term skin damage. Given the region's Dfb climate, which features warm summers, residents and visitors alike should be proactive in sun safety to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing health risks associated with increased UV radiation.
The UV Index demonstrates a notable progression throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing to reach its peak of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the radiation intensifies, signaling the need for sun protection. From 11:00, the index rises sharply, hitting 8 at 11:00 and peaking at 9 by 12:00. As the afternoon rolls in, values maintain a high level before gradually declining, dropping to 7 at 16:00 and falling to 1 again by 19:00. This dynamic fluctuation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your skin during the hours of peak sun exposure!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest risk of harmful exposure occurring from March to September. During this peak season, particularly in April through August, the UV Index reaches levels of 8 to 10, categorizing exposure as very high and reducing the burn time to just 15 minutes. Conversely, the winter months see much lower UV levels; for instance, January and February maintain a moderate index of 3 and 4, while December drops to a low level of 2. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, especially by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena Valley West Central | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |