Last updated: May 3, 2025
The UV Index is a vital tool for residents of Estacada, Oregon, helping you stay informed about the potential risks associated with sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting your overall skin health. Estacada’s Csb climate means you can experience significant UV radiation, especially during peak hours around noon, when the index can soar to 9. Being aware of daily UV Index readings empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from long-term damage.
The UV Index for the day showcases a notable rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increases to a moderate level of 3 by 9:00 AM. However, from 10:00 AM onward, things heat up significantly, peaking at a scorching 9 from noon to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually dips back to a friendly 3 by 5:00 PM, then descends further to 1 by the time evening sets in. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when UV levels are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly. January and December typically present a low risk with a UV Index of 2, allowing for about 45 minutes of sun exposure before burning. As spring approaches, February jumps to a moderate level (UV Index 4), indicating a burn time of 30 minutes. March and April see a rise to high UV levels (Index 6 and 7), with burn times decreasing to 25 minutes. The summer months, particularly May through August, are the most critical, marked by very high UV Index readings of 9 to 10, necessitating a mere 15 minutes of exposure before risking sunburn. September remains very high at UV Index 8 but provides a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. As temperatures cool, October and November return to a moderate category (UV Index 3 to 5), allowing 30 minutes of safer sunlight exposure. Residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant during the high-risk months of May to September, practicing sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to reduce skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estacada | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |