Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Northeast Ithaca to enjoy the outdoors while prioritizing skin health. As the UV levels rise throughout the day, particularly peaking at 10 around 1 PM, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. In this Dfb climate zone, where summers can deliver intense sun exposure, recognizing these UV levels is crucial for anyone looking to bask in the beauty of Ithaca's landscapes. Stay informed and protect your skin by checking the UV Index before heading outside!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of solar intensity. Morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and a gradual rise to 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at a striking 10 at 13:00, signaling the most intense sun exposure, making it prudent for sun protection. From 14:00, the UV Index begins to dip, yet remains significant at 9, before tapering off to 5 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the levels drop further, resting at 1 by 19:00. This hourly progression showcases the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during those midday hours when the UV radiation is at its 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
During the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with peak levels reached in late spring and summer. The highest risk months are from April to September, where the UV Index often exceeds 8, categorized as very high. Particularly, May through August sees a consistent UV Index of 10, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, February, November, and December have much lower UV levels, with burn times spiking up to 45 minutes during December. To protect against skin damage, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours.
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 |
Northeast Ithaca | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 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 |