UV Index in Central, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Central United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding daily UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the warm months when exposure risks peak. With a climate classified as Cfa, residents can expect high UV readings, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the index can soar above 10. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing harmful effects and ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant.

Hourly UV Index in Central

At sunrise, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the sun’s strength peaks with a remarkable 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00. This intense level suggests that protective measures are essential during these hours. By 15:00, the index begins to decline, settling at 9, and continues to decrease, dropping to 2 by 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by dusk at 19:00. It's a day urging sun-worshippers to stay protected during those midday hours of utmost UV intensity.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	7	high	25 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	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Central

Throughout the year, UV index values fluctuate significantly, with peaks during the summer months. From January to March, the UV index rises from a moderate level of 4 to a very high 8, indicating an increasing risk for skin damage. The high-risk months are clearly identified as May through July, with an extreme index of 11, where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. This intensity decreases slightly in August and September but remains very high at 10 and 9, respectively. As the year closes, UV levels drop back to moderate levels by December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Central, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Central. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Central, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Central UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Central compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Central's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Central	4	6	8	10	11	11	11	10	9	8	6	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5