Last updated: May 3, 2025
In New Haven, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and minimizing the long-term risks of skin damage. With a humid subtropical climate characterized by warm summers, New Haven experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day. Notably, midday sun can produce a high UV Index, reaching peaks of 10—a clear reminder to take precautions during those hours to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful New England outdoors.
The UV Index (UVI) follows a distinct pattern throughout the day, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases, reaching 2 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, where it climbs sharply to its peak of 10 at 13:00 and 14:00, indicating extremely high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 4 by 17:00, then settling back to a comfortable 1 by 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s crucial to take precautions between 11:00 and 15:00 when the UVI is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | 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 | 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, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to September. During this peak period, particularly in May, June, and July, the UV Index reaches 10—categorized as very high, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious in these months, as the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. March marks the transition to high exposure, with an index of 6, while October and November see a decline to moderate levels and longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. To safeguard against UV-related health risks, it is essential to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months of April to September.
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 |
| New Haven | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |