Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lake Placid is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As UV levels can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day, awareness of these scores—especially when they peak at 9 during midday—can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Dfb climate zone, Lake Placid experiences varied weather conditions that can influence UV exposure, making it crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed. Keep an eye on the UV Index to enjoy the sunshine safely and maintain your skin health!
The UV Index throughout the day started off low, with 1 at 07:00, gradually rising as the sun climbed higher in the sky. By 09:00, it reached a moderate 4, but the real peak came at 12:00 with an impressive 9—a perfect reminder to apply sunscreen! As the afternoon unfolded, the UV levels remained high, hovering around 8 at 14:00 and dipping slightly to 7 by 15:00. As the sun began to set, the index gracefully descended, dropping to 3 by 17:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. This daily cycle underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during those high noon 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from April to August, when the UV Index reaches its peak, particularly in June at 10, indicating a very high exposure category where burn time is only 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present lower risks, with a UV Index of 2 and burn times of 45 minutes. As UV levels change, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the warmer months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In the cooler months, while the risk is lower, it's still wise to remain vigilant, particularly during midday hours when UV rays can still pose a threat.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Placid | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 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 |