Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Benjamin, United States, where the climate often brings sunny days, increasing the risk of harmful UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 during midday, awareness of these levels can significantly impact your skin health and help prevent sunburn. In a region classified under the Dfa climate zone, which typically features warm summers, knowing when UV rays are at their strongest allows you to enjoy the outdoors while taking necessary precautions. Whether you're enjoying a picnic or participating in outdoor sports, staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference for your skin's well-being.
The UV Index for today reveals a dramatic rise in intensity as the day unfolds. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it slowly climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, before escalating to 6 by 10:00 AM. The peak intensity hits a striking 12 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for UV exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 by 3:00 PM, and further decreasing to 5 at 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index retreats back to a safe 1, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks of skin damage from sun exposure. The high-risk months are typically from March to August, where UV Index levels reach very high to extreme categories, particularly peaking at 11-12. March and April see a dramatic increase with values of 9 and 10 respectively, while May through July presents the greatest danger with an extreme level of 12, suggesting burn times as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. Conversely, November and December offer lower UV exposure, making those months relatively safer for outdoor activities.
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 |
| Benjamin | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |