Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lexington, United States, as it directly impacts your skin health and overall well-being. With peak UV levels often reaching a high of 10 during midday, awareness of the UV Index helps in effectively preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Lexington's Dfa climate, characterized by hot summers and moderate winters, presents unique exposure risks, especially when enjoying outdoor activities. By monitoring the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to stay safe under the sun and protect your skin all year round.
The UV Index data reveals a striking progression throughout the day. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 will experience a low UV Index of 1, making it a safe window for outdoor activities. However, as the day unfolds, 9:00 sees a jump to 3, which hints at increasing sun intensity. The real peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where the UV Index hits its maximum at 10—a critical period for sun exposure, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the index gradually drops, settling back to a more manageable 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours, as the sun's rays can be particularly harsh.
| 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |