Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Gettysburg, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels empowers residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers, Gettysburg experiences significant exposure to UV radiation, particularly during peak hours when indices can soar to 10—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about these UV levels can help you make thoughtful choices for sun safety each day.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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, the UV Index shows distinct seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically spanning from March to September. The UV Index peaks in May, June, and July at 10, indicating a very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses when outdoors. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December have a more manageable UV Index, categorized as moderate, with burn times of 30 minutes. It is essential for everyone to stay informed and adjust their sun protection strategies accordingly as UV levels fluctuate 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 |
Gettysburg | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 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 |