UV Index in Somerville, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Somerville, United States, where sun exposure can pose significant risks, especially during the peak summer months. With UV levels soaring to 11 at midday, being aware of these figures is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. The Cfa climate in Somerville means warm summers with higher UV risks, making it important to protect yourself during outdoor activities. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Somerville

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Somerville

Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. The months of April, May, June, and July all reach an extreme UV index of 11 or 12, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, January and December are classified as moderate with a UV index of 5, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes, while February and October present very high UV index levels. It's essential to remain vigilant year-round, but particularly during the peak summer months, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Somerville, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Somerville. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Somerville, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Somerville UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Somerville compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Somerville's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Somerville	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	11	8	6	5
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5