Last updated: July 2, 2025
In College Station, Texas, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays become more intense during the day, understanding the UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a humid subtropical climate, College Station sees high UV exposure, especially from late morning to early afternoon when values can peak at 12—a significant risk factor for sunburn. By being informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity. Starting the morning at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the sun gains strength as the day advances. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, and the real heat kicks in at 12:00, peaking at an impressive 10. The intensity escalates further, hitting a maximum of 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases to 7 by 16:00, before tapering off to 4 at 17:00, and finally returning to a mild 1 by 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV Index soars!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks. January starts with a UV Index of 5 (moderate), but by February it spikes to 8 (very high). The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily March through August, where values reach 9 and maintain a dangerous 11 to 12 (extreme). During these peak months, the burn times drop to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilance. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. As the season transitions into September and October, the UV levels taper off but remain at 10 and 8, making sun safety still essential. By November and December, the levels lessen to 6 and 4 respectively, allowing for more lenient sun exposure but still encouraging protective habits.
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 |
| College Station | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |