Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Laurel, United States, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels often reaching 9 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure can help prevent sunburn and lower the risk of skin cancer. Laurel's BSk climate, characterized by dry, sunny days, can exacerbate these risks, making it crucial to monitor UV levels and take protective measures accordingly. By staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, indicating that sun protection becomes a consideration. The intensity picks up significantly by 10:00 AM, reaching 5, before peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9. Notably, this peak persists through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where the UVI remains steady, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the day winds down, the index gradually declines—dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and trailing off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data not only highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours but also serves as a reminder to plan activities accordingly!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk occurring from April to September. In these months, the index reaches levels classified as very high (UV Index 8-10), particularly in June and July, where burn times are dramatically reduced to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the year progresses, UV exposure decreases, falling to a moderate level in October and November, and returning to low levels in January and December, allowing for safer outdoor activities during the winter months. It's important to stay informed and protect your skin year-round, but particularly during the high-risk summer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel | 2 | 5 | 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 |