Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cherokee, United States, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and promoting overall skin health. With a climate characterized by warm summers typical of the Cfa zone, the risk of harmful UV radiation can be significant, especially during peak hours when the index reaches 11. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities Cherokee has to offer without compromising your health. Whether you’re hiking or relaxing in the sun, awareness of the UV Index is your first line of defense against sun damage.
The UV Index is a crucial indicator of sun exposure, peaking dramatically throughout the day. Starting at a mild 1 by 07:00, it escalates swiftly, reaching 3 by 09:00. The intensity rises further, hitting 5 at 10:00 and surging to a striking 8 by 11:00. The sun's power truly culminates at 12:00, with an impressive 10 on the scale, and maintains a scorching 11 through 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, values begin to decline from 10 at 15:00 to 7 by 16:00, and gently taper off to 5 at 17:00, finally dwindling back to 3 by 18:00 and 1 come 19:00. Stay protected during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine 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 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from April to August. In this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, particularly in May, June, and July, necessitating quick precautions as the burn time can be as brief as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As summer fades, the UV levels decrease, but caution remains advisable, particularly in September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 7). In the winter months, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, but it’s still essential to protect your skin, as even during these times, burn times can be as short as 30 minutes in January and November. Always stay informed and practice sun safety year-round!
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 |
| Cherokee | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |