Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where the charming blend of mountains and outdoor attractions invites ample sun exposure. Monitoring UV levels is critical for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. During the warmer months, Pigeon Forge typically experiences higher UV indices, peaking at an index of 11 around midday, which signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning sights of Pigeon Forge while safeguarding your skin from the sun’s powerful rays.
The UV Index is a crucial indicator of sun exposure, peaking dramatically throughout the day. Starting at a mild 1 by 07:00, it escalates swiftly, reaching 3 by 09:00. The intensity rises further, hitting 5 at 10:00 and surging to a striking 8 by 11:00. The sun's power truly culminates at 12:00, with an impressive 10 on the scale, and maintains a scorching 11 through 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, values begin to decline from 10 at 15:00 to 7 by 16:00, and gently taper off to 5 at 17:00, finally dwindling back to 3 by 18:00 and 1 come 19:00. Stay protected during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Pigeon Forge | 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 |