UV Index in Rockford, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Rockford, United States is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With peaks reaching as high as 11 during midday hours, awareness of UV levels is vital for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to casual sunbathers. Rockford's Cfa climate provides a backdrop of warm summers, making the risk of UV exposure a significant concern. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take essential precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful rays, enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely, and promote long-term skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Rockford

The UV Index for the day starts gently, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. A significant surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where it escalates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with figures dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then to 7 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, high UV levels call for precautions, especially in the midday sun!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Rockford

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from March to August. Specifically, May through July are characterized by an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating caution as the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. These peak months represent a high-risk period for sunburn and potential skin damage. In contrast, January and December see the lowest UV exposure, categorized as moderate with burn times of up to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, particularly during the high-risk months of March to August. Staying informed about the UV Index can help ensure a safer experience outdoors.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Rockford, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Rockford. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Rockford, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Rockford UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Rockford compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Rockford's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Rockford	4	6	8	10	11	11	11	10	9	7	6	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5