UV Index in Poteau, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Poteau, United States, is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels reaching 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can play a crucial role in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Poteau's Cfa climate ensures ample sunshine, making it vital to monitor UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months. By staying informed, you can enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself from potential damage.

Hourly UV Index in Poteau

The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Poteau

Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. In April, the UV Index reaches 10, classified as very high, and remains at 11 in May, June, and July, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. During these peak months, safe sun exposure time diminishes sharply, with burn times dropping to just 10 minutes in the extreme conditions. As summer fades, September sees the UV Index slightly lower at 9, still categorized as very high, while both October and February bring back high levels with indices of 7. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high UV periods, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during midday hours to minimize sunburn risk.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Poteau, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Poteau. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Poteau, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Poteau UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Poteau compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Poteau's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Poteau	4	6	7	10	11	11	11	10	9	7	5	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5