Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Fairfax, United States, where sunny days are plentiful and UV exposure can spike dramatically. With peak values reaching 11 during midday hours, recognizing the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage becomes essential in protecting your skin health. Given Fairfax's Cfa climate—characterized by warm summers—the risks associated with elevated UV levels are particularly pronounced, making it vital for everyone to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity and its impact on outdoor activities. Starting early at 7:00 AM, the exposure remains low at a mere 1, ideal for morning strolls. As the sun climbs, 9:00 AM sees a slight increase to 3, hinting at the day's potential. By 10:00 AM, the index escalates to 5, and it reaches a peak at 12:00 PM with a blistering 10. The highest point occurs around 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it hits 11, indicating the need for sun protection. Gradually, the index begins to decline, drifting down to 7 by 4:00 PM, and dropping to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, closing the day with a protective embrace as twilight falls. This information serves as a crucial guide for planning sun-safe activities!
| 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 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. April and May both feature a very high UV Index of 10, while June and July reach an extreme level of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time decreases significantly during these months, dropping to just 10 minutes in June and July. Conversely, UV levels are moderate in January, November, and December, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of overexposure. Awareness of these UV changes is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Fairfax | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 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 |