Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Carthage, United States, where the climate often features warm summers and varying UV exposure. As the sun climbs in the sky, so too does the potential for harmful UV rays that can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues. Carthage's Dfb climate sees peak UV levels around midday, with intensities reaching 9—a number that underscores the importance of knowing when to protect your skin. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing your risk of UV-related harm.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. As the sun rises higher, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches 3 at 09:00. The intensity really kicks in at 10:00, jumping to 5, and soars to its peak of 9 by 13:00. This high exposure continues through 14:00, making midday the most crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips to 7 at 15:00, then continues to decline to 5 at 16:00 and settles back to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief with a return to 2 by 18:00 and finally drops to 1 at 19:00. Make sure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation, with peak values during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index gradually increases from a low level of 2, with a burn time of 45 minutes, to a moderate level of 4 in February, reducing the burn time to 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March reaches a high level of 6, offering a burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months of April through August experience very high UV Index levels, peaking at 9 and necessitating caution with only a 15-minute burn time. September sees a decrease to a high UV level of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes, while October and November return to moderate levels of 5 and 3, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times. By December, the UV Index falls back to a low level of 2, increasing the burn time to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the summer months (April to August), applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to protect against harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |