Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Madison, United States, where sunny days can quickly lead to harmful skin exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, ensuring that you enjoy the outdoors safely. With Madison's Dfa climate, known for its warm summers, UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at a notable 9 around noon. Being informed about these fluctuations empowers you to take the necessary precautions, so you can protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin scenery.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a notable peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Early in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index remains at a low 1, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the day progresses, it gradually rises, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and surging to 7 by 11:00 AM. The intensity continues to climb until it stabilizes at 9 during the hottest hours before gradually descending after 3:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and returning to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM to avoid harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 11 in June, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious in these months; protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and clothing are essential, especially during midday hours. Outside of this peak season, January through March sees moderate to high UV levels, making March with a UV Index of 6 another month to watch. From November to December, UV exposure decreases significantly, offering a respite with low to moderate indexes. However, it's still important to remain aware of UV levels year-round, as different skin types react differently to sun 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 |
| Madison | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |