Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Houston, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With values often peaking at 11 or 12 during the midday sun, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent painful sunburns and reduce long-term skin damage. Houston's Cfa climate brings hot summers and significant sun exposure, heightening the risks associated with ultraviolet rays. By staying informed about daily UV Index readings, you can enjoy the outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, as the morning progresses, a gradual increase is observed, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with an alarming 11, and it hits its maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The UV levels then begin to taper off, descending to 9 by 3:00 PM and dropping further to 2 by 6:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index returns to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us that while midday sun can be fierce, caution is advised at peak hours for skin safety.
| 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 | 12 | 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 |
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 |