Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index in Madison, United States is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Madison’s Cfa climate features warm summers with peaks in UV exposure, particularly during midday when indices soar to 10. With typical risks of significant UV damage, being informed can make a crucial difference in enjoying the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin against potential harm.
During the day, the UV Index fluctuates, providing a clear picture of sunlight intensity. Morning hours see a gentle rise, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and jumping to an intense 7 by 11:00 AM. The hottest moment arrives at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a peak of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 6 at 4:00 PM and gradually descending to 1 by 7:00 PM, suggesting that early morning and late evening are the most favorable times to bask in the sun safely.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which significantly affect sun exposure risk. From January's moderate UV Index of 4, which allows for a 30-minute burn time, to June's extreme peak of 11, where unsafe exposure can lead to a burn in just 10 minutes, the months of March through October represent the highest risk periods. Specifically, April, May, June, July, August, and September showcase very high to extreme levels, with June posing the greatest danger. It’s imperative for residents and visitors to take precautions during these months. Sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limiting exposure times, especially during midday when the sun is strongest, are vital measures for staying safe from UV-related harm. As autumn approaches, UV levels retreat but remain notable, reminding everyone to remain vigilant even as the temperatures cool.
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 |
| Madison | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |