Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pumpkin Center, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for your health, as it serves as a key indicator of the sun's intensity and its potential effects on skin health. Understanding UV levels is vital to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during the hotter months when UV exposure can spike. With a Cfa climate that brings warm summers, the risk of high UV levels is elevated—from a moderate index of 3 in the morning to a peak of 11 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy the sun safely while maintaining healthy skin for years to come.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear trajectory of increasing intensity, peaking dramatically as the sun reaches its zenith. At 07:00, the index starts modestly at 1, signifying minimal risk. However, as the hours roll on, from 08:00 to 10:00, it climbs steadily to 6, marking the onset of moderate exposure. The real surge occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index hits a staggering 11, indicating a very high risk for unprotected skin. Even as it begins to taper off in the afternoon—returning to 9 by 15:00 and further down to 4 by 17:00—the day's UV intensity serves as a reminder of the importance of sun protection. By 19:00, it drops back to a safe 1, allowing for a sigh of relief as daylight wanes. Embrace the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the most dangerous months for sun exposure falling between March and August. During this period, UV levels peak at 11 in May, June, and July, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. As the year progresses into the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases, reaching moderate levels in January and December, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, even in these months, some sun protection is advisable.
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 |
| Pumpkin Center | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |