Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Piedmont, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around midday, understanding these fluctuating levels is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The region’s humid subtropical climate often brings sunny days, amplifying UV exposure risks, especially during summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can make informed choices and enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding their skin from harmful effects.
Throughout the day, the UV Index peaks dramatically, starting at a mild 1 in the early morning at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, 9:00 AM sees a moderate increase to 3, but it’s not until 10:00 AM that the UV Index hits 5, signaling a need for some sun protection. The intensity truly soars at 11:00 AM, reaching 7, and by 12:00 PM it escalates to a striking 9, before soaring to its maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM. After the zenith, the index gradually recedes to 10 at 2:00 PM, and then descends slowly: 9 at 3:00 PM, 7 at 4:00 PM, and down to 4 by 5:00 PM. The evening brings relief, as the UV Index dips to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally settles back to 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. Ensure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 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.
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 |
| Piedmont | 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 |