Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Lexington, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and promote long-term skin wellness. With a Dfa climate, Lexington experiences a mix of sunny and cloudy days, leading to varying UV exposure risks throughout the year. Knowing when the UV Index peaks—often reaching levels as high as 11 in the midday sun—empowers residents to take proactive measures, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and protect your skin!
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity as it rises to its peak around midday. Starting off gently at 1 by 07:00 and 08:00, the sun begins to assert itself, climbing to 3 by 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the UV index soars to 5, and by 11:00, it surges to 7. The real heat hits around noon, with 12:00 witnessing a striking 9 before peaking at 11 from 13:00 to 14:00—ideal conditions for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, as the day progresses, the UV levels start to dip; by 15:00, it settles at 10, then recedes to 8 by 16:00. Finally, as evening approaches, the index drops to 5 at 17:00, 3 at 18:00, and returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. It’s a day to embrace the sun early, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the UV rays reach their zenith!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV index experiences significant changes throughout the year, peaking in the summer months. Notably, May through August are classified as high-risk months with UV indices reaching 10 or higher, indicating very high to extreme exposure levels and necessitating caution. In particular, June and July are critical months, with an index of 11, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors during these months should prioritize sun safety by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. Conversely, from November to February, UV levels drop to moderate, allowing for safer sun exposure, though it remains essential to maintain some protective measures during all months.
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 |
| Lexington | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |