Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Stony Brook, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of exposure. With a humid subtropical climate, Stony Brook experiences significant UV risks, particularly around midday when the index can soar to 10. Being aware of these levels not only enhances your outdoor enjoyment but also helps you take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays throughout the day.
The UV Index today showcases a dynamic sun activity that peaks dramatically as the day unfolds. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 10 by 13:00, marking the sun's most intense rays during midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00 as the sun begins to wane. This rhythm underscores the importance of sun safety: ensure protection during peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV index is at its highest! Enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget your sunscreen!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with high-risk months typically spanning from March to September. In April and May, the Index peaks at 10, indicating a very high exposure category where the burn time is just 15 minutes. Consequently, during these months, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. The risk slightly diminishes in October with a UV Index of 6, shifting to lower levels by November and December, where the Index falls to 4 and 2, respectively. As the year progresses, individuals are encouraged to adjust their sun safety practices according to these seasonal changes to ensure their skin health remains a priority.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |