Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mount Pleasant, United States, particularly given its humid subtropical climate (Cfa) that often leads to high sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, as neglecting this can result in severe long-term consequences. In Mount Pleasant, UV exposure can peak significantly, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, with readings soaring to an intense 11 on the index. Being informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 9 | 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, ultraviolet (UV) exposure fluctuates significantly, necessitating awareness among residents and visitors. From January to April, the UV Index begins to rise, starting at a moderate level of 4 and peaking at 10 in April, indicating a shift to very high exposure. The months of May through August present the highest risk, with the UV Index consistently at an extreme 11, where the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, September and October see a slight decrease, with the UV Index returning to 10 and 8, respectively, both still classified as very high. By November and December, levels drop back down to high and moderate categories with indices of 6 and 4, allowing for safer outdoor activities but still requiring caution. Residents and visitors should take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of May to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
| Mount Pleasant | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |