Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Crystal City, where the BSh climate brings a mix of sunny days and heightened UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday, it's essential to stay informed to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. By grasping the daily UV fluctuations, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely—from donning sunscreen to seeking shade—ensuring that your skin health remains a top priority throughout the year. Don't let the sun catch you off guard; keep an eye on the UV Index and embrace the outdoors wisely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off modestly, peaking at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. It gradually increases, reaching 2 by 09:00. The real climb begins at 10:00 with a leap to 5, and by 11:00, it sharply escalates to an intense 8. The highest point occurs at midday, with the UV Index soaring to a striking 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating extreme risk and the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 15:00 and further down to 5 by 17:00. By evening, the UV levels return to a safe 1 at 19:00, marking the end of a day marked by intense sun exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, while February and March jump to 8 and 9, respectively, indicating very high exposure risks with short burn times of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, but October remains notably high at 9, followed by November with a high category of 7. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months of April through September and remain vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Crystal City | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |