Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Charleston, United States. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. With Charleston's warm Cfa climate, the sun's rays can be intense, especially around midday when the UV Index peaks at 11—a level deemed very high. Being informed about these fluctuations allows you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the beauty of this vibrant city safely while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit noteworthy seasonal changes, with high-risk months identified from March to August, when exposure reaches very high or extreme levels. In March and April, the UV Index peaks at 9 and 10, respectively, indicating a transition into the more hazardous summer months. May through August experience the highest UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme, which necessitates diligent sun protection within a burn time of just 10 minutes. As September and October arrive, UV levels remain considerable, with a very high index of 9 and 8, and slowly tapering off towards the end of the year. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Charleston | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |