Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Augusta, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during peak hours when the index reaches its highest levels. With Augusta's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and a notably intense sun exposure, awareness of UV risks is vital. During summer months, the UV Index often peaks at 9 from noon to 1 PM, indicating a need for protective measures to ensure safe outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and protect your skin—every sunny day deserves cautious fun!
The UV Index for the day showcases a notable rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increases to a moderate level of 3 by 9:00 AM. However, from 10:00 AM onward, things heat up significantly, peaking at a scorching 9 from noon to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually dips back to a friendly 3 by 5:00 PM, then descends further to 1 by the time evening sets in. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when UV levels are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons transition, the UV Index shows notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and February experience moderate UV levels (3 and 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk increases sharply in March with a UV Index of 6, classified as high, reducing the safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April through September, where the Index peaks to 10 in June, denoting very high risk, with a burn time as short as 15 minutes. October sees a drop to a high UV Index of 6, while November and December return to moderate and low levels (3 and 2), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months—especially between April and September—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 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 |