Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Houston, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health throughout the year. Understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a climate like Houston's, which is characterized by hot summers and substantial sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching up to 12 around midday, residents and visitors should take protective measures to shield themselves from harmful rays. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The day begins gently with a UV Index of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure. However, as the clock strikes 09:00, the index rises to 3, signifying a gradual increase in UV intensity. By 10:00, it reaches 5, and the sun takes center stage at 11:00 with a striking 8. The peak arrives at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 10, and continues to climb, hitting its pinnacle with a dazzling 12 at 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, values begin a slow descent: 11 at 14:00, 10 at 15:00, and then dropping to 7 by 16:00. The evening brings relief, with the index tapering down to 4 at 17:00, 2 at 18:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly affecting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, by February, the UV levels escalate to 8, marking the beginning of very high exposure with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The risk peaks in the summer months, particularly April through August, where the UV Index reaches a maximum of 12, classified as extreme, necessitating protective measures within just 10 minutes. September and October see a slight decline to very high levels of 10 and 9, respectively, while November cools to a high risk of 7 with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of February to August, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, to minimize sun damage and maintain skin health.
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 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |