Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bloomington, Indiana, as it provides vital information about the sun’s intensity and potential risks for skin health. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, awareness and protection become essential in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Bloomington’s Cfa climate brings distinct seasonal variations, leading to increased UV exposure during warmer months. Being informed not only helps safeguard your skin but also encourages healthier outdoor activities in this vibrant community. Stay proactive and make UV Index awareness a part of your daily routine!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for a leisurely morning. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling that it's time to enjoy some shade. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a maximum index of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Continuing at 13:00 and 14:00, the index holds steady at 11, urging caution with the midday sun blazing down. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down with a gentle 1 at 19:00, marking a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Be sure to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index indicates significant seasonal changes that affect sun exposure risks. January and December experience a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while November sees a high UV Index of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes. The risk escalates sharply from February to April, reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 in both April and May, with a critical burn time of only 10 minutes. The most high-risk months are April, May, June, August, and September, where the UV Index peaks at 12 and remains at 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to minimize sun exposure during peak hours and to use proper sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, particularly from February through September.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Bloomington | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |