Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Salem, United States, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Dfb climate, Salem experiences varied UV exposure throughout the year, but during peak hours—particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM—the UV Index can escalate to dangerous levels of 8 to 9. Being aware of these levels helps individuals take proactive measures, ensuring safe outdoor enjoyment while safeguarding against harmful UV radiation. Keep an eye on the UV Index to help make informed choices about sun protection and overall health!
The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the hours. It starts off gently at 1 at 07:00, but as the morning progresses, it climbs swiftly to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 4 at 09:00. The sun intensifies its rays further, peaking at a robust 9 between 12:00 and 13:00—a reminder to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually descends, dipping to 6 at 15:00, and mellowing down to 1 by 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade or applying sunscreen during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in UV exposure show a notable increase from winter to summer, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 10 in June, which is classified as very high, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV radiation is strongest. As the season shifts into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, falling back to a low exposure category in January and December, with safe burn times extending to 45 minutes. However, between February and March, the UV Index returns to moderate levels, requiring vigilance to protect skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| 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 |