Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hershey, Pennsylvania is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels reaching a peak of 10 during midday hours, awareness of these values can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Hershey's humid continental climate means that while summers can be warm and sunny, the UV exposure risks intensify, particularly between late morning and early afternoon. Staying informed about the current UV Index allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions and enjoy the outdoor beauty of Hershey with peace of mind.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to a 2, signaling the day is warming up. However, the intensity ramps up dramatically around 10:00 AM, peaking at 9 by 12:00 PM. The highest alert comes at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 10, indicating it’s time to seek shade and protect your skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index recedes slowly, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and settling down to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, during peak hours, the sun's rays are most potent—stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | 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 UV changes reflect a pattern of increasing intensity from winter to summer and a decline toward winter again. High-risk months occur from March to August, peaking in June and July when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, residents and visitors should take extra precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As the fall approaches, UV levels gradually decrease, but caution should still be exercised in September and early October when UV values remain elevated. Overall, ensuring proper skin protection is crucial during the high-risk periods to mitigate the dangers of UV exposure.
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 |
| Hershey | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |