Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Abilene, Texas, where the sun shines brightly throughout much of the year. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and supports long-term skin health, especially during the peak hours from late morning to early afternoon when the index can soar as high as 12. With Abilene's humid subtropical climate, the risk of overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays is significant, making it essential for locals to stay informed about daily UV forecasts to protect themselves while enjoying the outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic progression, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking UV Index of 10. Beginning with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually rises until it reaches its zenith of 12 at 2:00 PM, prompting the utmost caution for sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index notably declines, dipping back down to 3 by 6:00 PM, signaling a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities as the sun begins to set. With such variations, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for planning outdoor activities safely and effectively!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, highlighting significant variations in sun exposure risk throughout the year. High-risk months, specifically from March to August, exhibit very high to extreme UV readings, posing increased danger of skin burns, with the lowest burn time recorded at just 10 minutes during these peak months. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these times by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM. As we transition into September and October, UV levels remain high but start to moderate, providing a slightly lower risk while still encouraging sun safety measures. With the UV Index declining in the cooler months of November and December, protective practices should remain a consideration, especially during outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and prioritize your skin health year-round!
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 |
| Abilene | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |