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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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 |