Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hico, United States, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and variable sun exposure creates significant risks for skin health. As UV levels can peak dramatically throughout the day—reaching as high as 11 during midday hours—awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting against long-term skin damage. With high readings typically occurring from late morning to early afternoon, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin while enjoying the outdoors in this vibrant community.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low throughout the morning, only reaching 3 by 09:00. However, by 11:00, the index skyrockets to 8, peaking at an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 once again by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours pose the greatest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the summer months. Notably, from May to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, warranting heightened caution. March and April also present high risk with very high categories (8-10) and burn times of 15 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore March through August, requiring visitors and residents to take preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December experience lower UV levels with moderate to high exposure categories, offering some respite, yet protective measures are still recommended on sunnier days. Stay informed and stay safe under the sun!
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 |
| Hico | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |