Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Buffalo, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, particularly during the sunnier months when exposure can lead to increased risks. Buffalo's BSk climate features distinct seasonal changes, but even in the summer, peak UV levels can soar—reaching as high as 11 at noon. Stay informed and take proactive measures to ensure your outdoor adventures are both enjoyable and safe!
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index remains low at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs to 3 by 09:00, reminding you to take some precautions. The intensity peaks around 12:00, hitting a scorching 10, while the following hour sees an even higher 11 at 13:00 and 14:00. This trio of hours is when sunscreen and protective clothing are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 16:00 and trailing off to 5 by 17:00. As evening approaches, you can enjoy the outdoors again, with levels returning to 3 by 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. Stay protected during the peak hours, and enjoy the rest of your day!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. High-risk months peak from April to August, where the UV Index escalates to 10 and above, classifying these months with very high to extreme exposure levels and a burn time of just 10-15 minutes. In contrast, the low-risk months, such as January, November, and December, present a moderate UV Index (3-5) with a longer burn time of up to 30 minutes. To safeguard against harmful UV radiation, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, especially during the high-risk months: wear sunscreen, seek shade, and don protective clothing when outdoors. Stay informed and keep your skin safe!
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 |
| Buffalo | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |