Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gaffney, United States is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it provides essential information about the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking with a high of 11 around noon, which means that sunburn prevention and skin health should be top of mind, especially during the warm months in this Cfa climate zone. With Gaffney's sunny disposition and often elevated UV exposure risks, being aware of the daily UV Index can help you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors. Remember: awareness is your first line of defense!
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, the UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations that warrant attention from both visitors and residents. From January (UV Index 4, moderate exposure) to February (UV Index 6, high exposure), there is a notable increase in ultraviolet radiation, leading to higher sunburn risk. The months of March through June represent high-risk periods, with UV Index values peaking at 11 in June (extreme exposure) and maintaining levels above 8 until September. During this summer surge, burn times can dwindle to as little as 10 minutes in June. September to October shows a slight decrease, though values remain high (UV Index 9-8). Following this, November and December return to more moderate levels (UV Index 5 and 3), allowing for longer exposure times without an immediate burn risk. It is advisable for everyone to stay vigilant during the high-risk months, particularly from March to September, and to employ protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Gaffney | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |