Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Erie, United States, as it helps you stay informed about sun exposure and protects your skin health. With the sun's intensity peaking around noon, when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 9, awareness can be a game-changer in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Erie experiences a Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers, which means that even on seemingly mild days, the UV levels can pose significant risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and maintain healthy skin all year round.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard your skin!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months occurring from April to September when the UV Index reaches very high levels (8-10) and the recommended burn time drops to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, seeking shade and applying sunscreen frequently to protect their skin. In contrast, the low-risk months of January and December feature a UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes without significant risk. Notably, February to March presents a moderate risk, with UV Index values of 4-5 and burn times of 30 minutes, making it essential to be vigilant as spring approaches. As the seasons transition, it's crucial to adjust sun safety practices accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Erie | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |