Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Como, United States, where the climate allows for plenty of outdoor enjoyment year-round. Being mindful of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. The typical Cfa climate in Como brings its own set of challenges, with peak UV exposure often occurring between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index can soar to dangerous levels of 11. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you and your loved ones can safely bask in the sunshine while minimizing long-term skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of increasing intensity, peaking at noon. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, it steadily rises, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the index escalates dramatically, hitting a high of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a strong indicator of potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, with values of 9 at 3:00 PM, tapering off to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally returning to 1 by 7:00 PM. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it's crucial to stay protected during the midday peak hours to safely bask in the sun!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, ultraviolet (UV) exposure fluctuates significantly, necessitating awareness among residents and visitors. From January to April, the UV Index begins to rise, starting at a moderate level of 4 and peaking at 10 in April, indicating a shift to very high exposure. The months of May through August present the highest risk, with the UV Index consistently at an extreme 11, where the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, September and October see a slight decrease, with the UV Index returning to 10 and 8, respectively, both still classified as very high. By November and December, levels drop back down to high and moderate categories with indices of 6 and 4, allowing for safer outdoor activities but still requiring caution. Residents and visitors should take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of May to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
| Como | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |