UV Index in Columbus, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Columbus, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can be the difference between a fun day outside and suffering from painful sunburns or long-term skin damage. With a Cfa climate zone—characterized by warm summers and varied cloud coverage—residents face distinct risks of high UV exposure, particularly during midday when indices can soar to 11. Staying informed about the UV Index helps you take necessary precautions, ensuring that you enjoy the sunshine safely while safeguarding your skin's health for years to come.

Hourly UV Index in Columbus

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a fascinating journey of sun exposure. Starting at a gentle level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise steadily, hitting 3 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the intensity escalates dramatically, soaring to 10 at noon and peaking at 11 from 13:00 to 14:00—ideal for sun protection measures! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with values dropping to 9 at 15:00, then further diminishing to 2 by 18:00, and finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. Whether lounging in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, awareness of this UV landscape is essential for safe enjoyment!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Columbus

As the seasons change, the UV Index demonstrates considerable variation, impacting burn potential and risk levels for skin exposure. The highest risk months occur from March to August, with values peaking at 11 during May, June, and July, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks a shift into a high risk category, while September through November gradually decreases the UV levels, transitioning back to moderate by December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to mitigate the potential for skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Columbus, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Columbus. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Columbus, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Columbus UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Columbus compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Columbus's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Columbus	4	7	8	10	11	11	11	10	9	8	6	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5