Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Plattsburgh, New York, as it serves as an essential guide to protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With UV levels frequently peaking at 8 or higher during midday hours, awareness becomes vital to safeguard against potential skin damage. Located in a Dfb climate zone, Plattsburgh experiences seasonal variations in sunlight intensity, meaning the risk of UV exposure can change dramatically throughout the year. Being informed about the UV Index helps residents and visitors alike enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index shows a distinct daily rhythm, peaking at 1 PM with a significant value of 9—a strong indicator for sun exposure. As the day unfolds, early morning starts at a comfortable 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. By 10 AM, it reaches 5, and just before noon, it surges to 8. The afternoon sees a slight dip from 9 at 1 PM to 7 by 3 PM, before slowly descending back to 1 by 7 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during those peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM. Remember to stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the potential for skin damage from sun exposure. January and December experience lower UV levels with indices of 2, categorized as low, providing a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as we move into May through August, the UV index reaches a peak of 9, classified as very high, significantly reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. The high-risk months notably include April through August, where precautions are essential. It is advisable for both visitors and residents to stay vigilant during these months, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risks of skin damage. As the UV levels drop in September through November, a return to moderate caution is warranted, but protection should still be considered during outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plattsburgh | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 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 |