Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Scotland, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With typical summer temperatures and sunny days, the UV levels can surge to a maximum of 10 at midday, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Given Scotland's humid continental climate, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, as even on overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds. Being aware of the UV Index helps you take necessary precautions—ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a striking pattern in its intensity. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the sun's rays begin to gather strength, climbing to 2 by 08:00. A noticeable surge occurs between 09:00 and 10:00, where the index escalates to 5. But the real peak hits at 12:00, where it reaches a soaring 10, remaining steadfast for the following hour. Fortunately, as the afternoon wanes, the intensity gracefully descends, tapering to 8 at 15:00, and gradually dimming to 6 by 16:00, before tapering off to 3 at 17:00, and finally settling back to 1 by 19:00. This dramatic ebb and flow underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months occur from March to September, peaking in May and June with a UV Index of 10, classified as very high. This signifies a decrease in safe sun exposure time to just 15 minutes. In contrast, the lower UV Index months are January (3) and December (2), categorized as moderate and low, with burn times of 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the summer months when UV levels are at their highest. It is essential to stay informed and adjust sun exposure accordingly to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Scotland | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 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 |