Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Huntsville, Alabama, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors safely. With a Cfa climate, Huntsville experiences warm summers and substantial UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 11—a level that necessitates protective measures. Stay informed and take action to keep your skin healthy while basking in the beautiful Huntsville sun!
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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in May, June, and July, where it reaches an extreme index of 11. These months pose the greatest risk for sunburn, with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months to be particularly cautious are March through August, as the UV Index remains very high to extreme during this period. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Conversely, in the winter months of December and January, the UV Index is lower at 3-4, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes, allowing for slightly more leeway in sun exposure. Regardless of the season, it is essential to stay informed and protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Huntsville | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |