Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Phelps, United States, where the climate, classified as Dfb, can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 10 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Phelps days while safeguarding your health under the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its ascent, with a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it begins to climb, reaching 2, signaling a reminder to take care. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, where the index peaks at 6, escalating to a scorching 9 by noon. The hottest moment arrives at 13:00, showcasing a dramatic 10—a level that demands serious sun protection. Although the UV level begins to drop after this peak, it remains notable; at 14:00, it settles at 9, then declines gently, hitting 3 by 17:00. As daylight fades towards the evening, it tapers off to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 UV Index fluctuates throughout the year, residents and visitors should be mindful of the changing sun exposure levels. During the winter months of January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, allowing for longer safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, notable increases occur: March sees a rise to 6 (high exposure), while April and May escalate to 8 and 10 respectively, classified as very high, with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. The peak UV risks are in May and June when the index reaches its highest at 10, making those months particularly hazardous for skin health. July and August maintain high levels, with UV indexes of 9, so protective measures are crucial. As summer gives way to autumn, the UV Index declines to 7 in September (high) and 5 in October (moderate), increasing the burn time. Finally, November drops back to a moderate level of 3. It is advisable for everyone to utilize appropriate sun protection during the high-risk months of April through September, particularly during peak hours, to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phelps | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 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 |