Last updated: May 3, 2025
In McLean, United States, being mindful of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, particularly during the peak exposure times when the index reaches its highest readings of 11 around noon and early afternoon. With McLean's BSk climate contributing to significant UV radiation, residents should remain vigilant about sun safety practices, especially when UV levels climb, signifying higher risks during sunny days. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's rays; your skin will thank you!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the sun’s strength peaks with a remarkable 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00. This intense level suggests that protective measures are essential during these hours. By 15:00, the index begins to decline, settling at 9, and continues to decrease, dropping to 2 by 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by dusk at 19:00. It's a day urging sun-worshippers to stay protected during those midday hours of utmost UV intensity.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations. The high-risk months, characterized by extreme UV levels and minimal burn times, are May through August, with June and July reaching a peak UV Index of 12 and an urgent burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level of 4 in January to an extreme of 11 in May, then gradually declines again in fall and winter. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risks of skin damage from UV exposure. In contrast, during the moderate months of November and December, exposure is less critical, but protective measures are still recommended. Stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
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 |
| McLean | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |