Last updated: May 3, 2025
As residents and visitors of Asheville, North Carolina, bask in the beauty of its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, understanding the UV Index becomes essential for protecting skin health. The UV Index is a valuable tool that informs us about the risks of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Asheville's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers and higher UV levels, it's important to stay informed about daily fluctuations in UV intensity. For instance, UV levels can peak as high as 11 around midday, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard against harmful exposure. Embracing UV Index awareness is key to enjoying Asheville's sunny days while keeping skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low throughout the morning, only reaching 3 by 09:00. However, by 11:00, the index skyrockets to 8, peaking at an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 once again by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours pose the greatest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months coinciding with late spring and summer. From April to July, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to minimize skin damage. The risk remains high in March and August, with an index of 8 to 10, necessitating vigilance. Conversely, during the winter months of January and December, the UV Index drops to 4, categorized as moderate, providing some relief, yet it’s still wise to practice sun safety. As the seasons change, staying informed and adapting sun protection strategies is crucial for overall health.
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 |
| 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 |
| Asheville | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |