Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lexington, United States, where sunny days abound in a humid subtropical climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching 10 during midday hours, it's important for locals to recognize the potential risks and take necessary precautions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can confidently enjoy Lexington's outdoor activities while protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index offers a clear snapshot of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently, the morning hours (07:00 and 08:00) register a modest index of 1, making it safe to enjoy some outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the sun’s rays ramp up, peaking at 10 from 12:00 to 14:00—the ideal time for sun safety reminders. The UV Index then gradually declines, showcasing a friendly 8 at 15:00 before tapering down to 4, 2, and finally 1 by the evening hours. As such, it's crucial to stay vigilant around midday and seek shade while enjoying the outdoors.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations that warrant attention from both visitors and residents. From January (UV Index 4, moderate exposure) to February (UV Index 6, high exposure), there is a notable increase in ultraviolet radiation, leading to higher sunburn risk. The months of March through June represent high-risk periods, with UV Index values peaking at 11 in June (extreme exposure) and maintaining levels above 8 until September. During this summer surge, burn times can dwindle to as little as 10 minutes in June. September to October shows a slight decrease, though values remain high (UV Index 9-8). Following this, November and December return to more moderate levels (UV Index 5 and 3), allowing for longer exposure times without an immediate burn risk. It is advisable for everyone to stay vigilant during the high-risk months, particularly from March to September, and to employ protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Lexington | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |