Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lakeway, United States, where the warm, humid climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburns and protecting skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to 12. In a city known for its sunny days, learning how to navigate these UV readings can help you enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your well-being. Given Lakeway's climate zone classified as Cfa, it's imperative to stay informed about UV risks throughout the day, with midday sun being particularly intense. Let’s dive into what the UV Index means for you and your loved ones!
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly climbs, starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it slightly increases to 2. However, the real intensity kicks in as the day progresses, peaking at an impressive 12 between 13:00 and 14:00. This is the critical time when sun protection is essential, given the dangerous exposure level. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decrease, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and further declining to 5 at 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, it returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. Take note of these fluctuations, as they are crucial for staying safe under the sun!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risks occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly in April through August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12, resulting in a minimal safe exposure time of just 10 minutes before the risk of sunburn increases dramatically. January and December present lower UV indices of 5 and 4, respectively, classified as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are most intense.
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 |
| Lakeway | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |