Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Columbia, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels soaring to 10 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Columbia's Cfa climate brings warm summers and ample sunshine, which, while enjoyable, also increases the risk of overexposure to UV rays. Stay informed and protect yourself by monitoring the UV Index to ensure safe outdoor activities throughout the year.
The UV Index starts off low at 1 during the early hours, peaking at 9 by noon and reaching its maximum of 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM. This signifies a critical period when sun protection is vital, as the intensity of UV rays can cause skin damage. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, falling to 6 by 4 PM, then dropping to 2 by 6 PM and settling back to 1 as evening falls. If you’re planning outdoor activities, make sure to stay safe and shield yourself when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits a notable seasonal change, peaking in the summer months and significantly dropping during winter. High-risk months are primarily from May to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 10 to 11, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high UV levels, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the seasons transition, the UV Index decreases, making January and December the safest months, with a moderate exposure category and a burn time of 30 minutes. However, caution is still advised during the spring and fall months, where UV levels remain elevated and can lead to skin damage with minimal exposure.
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 |
| Columbia | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |