Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sumter, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing the long-term risk of skin damage and related health issues. With a Cfa climate typified by hot summers and moderate rainfall, residents and visitors of Sumter often face heightened exposure to UV rays, especially during the peak hours from 11 AM to 1 PM when the index can soar to 10 or 11. Staying informed about the daily UV Index helps you plan safe outdoor activities and ensures that you take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sunshine responsibly.
The UV Index today exhibits a dramatic surge from the early morning hours, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the index reaches an intense 10, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to take proper precautions. The highest recorded value of 11 at 13:00 indicates a critical level of sun intensity, making sunscreen a necessity. As the afternoon progresses, values decline, with the index dropping to 9 at 15:00, followed by a gentle descent to 4 by 17:00. The evening hours see a calming effect, with the UV Index returning to 1 by 19:00. It's a perfect reminder to enjoy the sun responsibly throughout the day!
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index demonstrates considerable variation, impacting burn potential and risk levels for skin exposure. The highest risk months occur from March to August, with values peaking at 11 during May, June, and July, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks a shift into a high risk category, while September through November gradually decreases the UV levels, transitioning back to moderate by December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to mitigate the potential for 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 |
| Sumter | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |