Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Niagara Falls, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With summer days often exposing residents and visitors to elevated UV levels, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. On a typical day, the UV Index can peak at 9 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Considering the Dfb climate zone, which brings warm summers and snowy winters, it’s important to prioritize UV protection year-round. Stay informed and protect yourself while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls!
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, the UV Index experiences noticeable fluctuations, impacting the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. High-risk months are primarily from April to August, where the UV Index reaches very high levels of 8 to 10, necessitating caution with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the UV levels are much lower from January to March and again from November to December, characterized by low to moderate exposure with burn times extending up to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should be particularly mindful during the peak summer months, ensuring adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and clothing, and seeking shade during the day to minimize the risk of skin damage. Remember, smarter sun habits can help you enjoy the outdoors safely!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls | 2 | 4 | 5 | 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 |