UV Index in Ballard, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Ballard, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents make informed choices about sun protection during peak exposure times, especially in a climate zone characterized by dry, sunny summers. With UV Index levels reaching as high as 12 during midday, it’s vital to stay vigilant against potential skin damage. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Ballard weather while safeguarding your skin for years to come.

Hourly UV Index in Ballard

The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index escalates steadily, reaching its first significant benchmark of 3 by 09:00. However, the real intensity kicks in at 10:00, soaring to 6 and peaking at 12 during the hour of 13:00, and maintaining that blistering level until 14:00. After this peak, the UV Index starts to decline, dropping to 10 by 15:00, and gently fading to 5 by 17:00, before settling back to a safer 1 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of protecting your skin during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its maximum.

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Ballard

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months of May to August, where it reaches extremes of 11 to 12. The highest risk occurs in May, June, and July, with burn times as short as 10 minutes under these conditions. March and April also present considerable UV exposure, categorized as very high, with burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from late winter through summer, especially during these high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the season transitions into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, offering more moderate exposure from October to December.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Ballard, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Ballard. 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 Ballard, 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 Ballard UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Ballard 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.

Ballard'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
Ballard	4	6	8	10	11	12	12	11	10	7	5	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5