Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Cedar Valley, United States, where sun exposure can be significant, especially in the warm months of the Cfa climate zone. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn, protect your skin health, and reduce the risk of long-term damage. With midday peaks reaching as high as 12, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining your well-being. Be aware: even times when the UV Index appears moderate can still pose risks, so stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
Starting at dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching a modest 1 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it intensifies, peaking at a thrilling 12 by 13:00—the perfect time for sun protection! The intensity gradually subsides, dipping to 10 by 15:00 and further declining as evening approaches, settling back to 1 by 19:00. From 08:00 to 11:00, UV levels rise steadily; then, from 14:00 onward, a noticeable decrease provides a gentle reminder of the sun's shifting power throughout the day. Remember, staying cautious during peak hours is key to enjoying a safe day outdoors!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | 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, the UV Index presents significant seasonal changes that indicate varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking in April—a month categorized as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May, June, July, and August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 12 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses into September, the UV Index drops to 9, still considered very high. By late fall and winter months, the risk decreases significantly, ending the year with a UV Index of 3 in December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to practice sun safety during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin 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 |
Cedar Valley | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |