UV Index in Columbus, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Columbus, United States is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. As the sun's rays can have varying intensity throughout the day, being aware of UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and reduces the risk of skin damage in the long run. In Columbus, characterized by a BSk climate, residents experience significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can spike to levels of 11 or 13. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to make safe choices for sun protection, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Columbus

The UV Index shows a dramatic rise in intensity throughout the morning, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, the index reaches 4, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure risk. The peak UV radiation occurs at 13:00, soaring to a concerning 13, suggesting that sun protection is essential during this hour. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dipping to 10 by 15:00 and falling to 1 by 19:00. For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen during peak hours between 11:00 and 14:00 to ensure safety under the sun.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Columbus

Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. During these months, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in May and June. In these high-risk months, burn time decreases dramatically to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. February and March also present very high UV levels (8 and 10, respectively), with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the lowest UV exposure can be found in January, November, and December, with moderate to high levels that provide burn times of up to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors should ensure they wear appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from April to September, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Columbus, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Columbus. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Columbus, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Columbus UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Columbus compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Columbus's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
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
Columbus	5	8	10	12	13	13	13	12	11	9	6	5