UV Index in Cleveland, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone in Cleveland, United States, as it serves as a crucial guide to protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, awareness can help you prevent sunburn and promote better skin health. Cleveland's Cfa climate means that residents face varying UV exposure risks, especially during the peak hours from late morning to early afternoon, when indices can soar to 11. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin!

Hourly UV Index in Cleveland

The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun exposure intensity. Starting off with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching a moderate level of 3 by 09:00. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at a striking 11 between 13:00 and 14:00, signaling the most intense sun exposure, ideal for sunblock and shade. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with readings dropping to 9 at 15:00, and continuing down to 4 by 17:00. By evening, the UV intensity settles back to a safe 1 at 19:00. Remember, sunscreen is your best friend when the UV index is high!

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	6	high	25 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	9	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cleveland

The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with a notable increase from January to July, peaking at an extreme level of 12 in July. The months of February through August highlight the high-risk periods for sun exposure, particularly in the very high to extreme categories, where burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes. Effective from May to August, residents and visitors should take precautions, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. As the UV levels drop in September and October, the risk remains high until November, transitioning back to moderate levels by December. Staying informed about these changes is essential for minimizing skin damage and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cleveland, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cleveland 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.

Cleveland'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
Cleveland	5	8	9	10	11	11	12	11	10	8	6	5
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5