Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Stratford, United States, as it plays a critical role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. The intense UV radiation during peak hours—from 11 AM to 2 PM—can lead to significant risks, particularly as Stratford enjoys a humid subtropical climate that often conditions for high UV levels. By being aware of local UV indices, residents can take proactive measures to shield their skin and enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the long-term impacts of sun exposure. Stay informed and radiant!
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!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the index rises from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), with burn times decreasing from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The risk escalates sharply in March and April, reaching levels of 8 and 10 (very high), where only 15 minutes of unprotected exposure is recommended. The summer months of June, July, and August present the highest danger with an extreme UV Index of 11, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines; in September, it remains very high at 10, and by October, it drops to 7 (high). Finally, November and December return to moderate levels of 5 and 4, respectively, allowing for burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months of March through October, especially in the peak summer months, by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Stratford | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |