Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Watertown, United States, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. The UV Index provides valuable insights into the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, helping you prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. With peak UV levels reaching 10 during midday hours, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, especially in the warm months typical of the Cfa climate zone. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sunny days safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern that encourages cautious sun exposure. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the intensity slowly climbs to a moderate 2 by 08:00. However, the real ascent begins at 09:00, when the index reaches 4. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, with an impressive 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the UV levels gradually decline, dipping to 9 at 14:00 and then decreasing further to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index wanes to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, emphasizing the importance of smart sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. April and May both feature a very high UV Index of 10, while June and July reach an extreme level of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time decreases significantly during these months, dropping to just 10 minutes in June and July. Conversely, UV levels are moderate in January, November, and December, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of overexposure. Awareness of these UV changes is crucial for maintaining skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Watertown | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 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 |