Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dorchester, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With peak UV levels often reaching a max of 10 during the summer months, becoming aware of these values is essential for effective sunburn prevention. Dorchester's Dfa climate brings warm summers, which can lead to increased UV exposure risks, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, residents can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunshine while minimizing potential skin damage, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience.
The UV Index is a dynamic measure of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a notable 9, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a maximum value of 10. During this period, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Early morning hours remain quite low, peaking at just 1 by 08:00 AM, while by 10:00 AM the index climbs to 5. As the sun continues to rise, it climbs swiftly to 7 by 11:00 AM, making midday the crucial time for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 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, seasonal changes in UV Index levels highlight varying risks associated with sun exposure. From January to February, UV levels remain moderate, with burn times of 30 minutes, making it a relatively safer period for outdoor activities. However, as March approaches, the UV Index escalates to 6, indicating higher caution is needed. The spring and summer months show a significant increase, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11, where burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. High-risk months include April through August, with very high to extreme levels; visitors and residents should take extra precautions, like wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months. As the year progresses into October and November, UV levels decrease, returning to moderate levels by December, providing a safer environment for outdoor enjoyment. It’s essential for everyone to stay informed about UV levels and adjust their sun safety practices accordingly.
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 |
| Dorchester | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |