UV Index in Central, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In the Central United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed choices about sun exposure, especially as days warm up in this semi-arid climate. With peak UV Index values soaring to 12 during midday hours, awareness becomes even more vital for enjoying outdoor activities safely. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can effectively mitigate risks and protect your skin from harmful rays while enjoying the beautiful Central landscape.

Hourly UV Index in Central

The UV Index starts off gentle in the early hours, peaking at 1 at 07:00 and remaining low at 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, reaching 3 by 09:00 and hitting a more noticeable 5 at 10:00. The midday sun becomes increasingly fierce, soaring to 8 by 11:00, then reaching its blistering maximum of 12 at 12:00 and 13:00. Even as the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index remains high at 11 and 12 until 15:00, before gradually tapering off to 8 at 16:00. As dusk approaches, the levels decline, settling back to 3 by 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's vital to protect your skin during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00!

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:001low45 min
09:003moderate30 min
10:005moderate30 min
11:008very high15 min
12:0011extreme10 min
13:0012extreme10 min
14:0012extreme10 min
15:0011extreme10 min
16:008very high15 min
17:005moderate30 min
18:003moderate30 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Central

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the summer months. From May to August, the UV Index ranges from 11 to 12, classifying these months as having an extreme exposure category, meaning the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is very high. Specifically, March to September are identified as high-risk months, where the burn time drastically decreases to as little as 10 minutes in peak summer. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and protect skin health. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, with January, November, and December classified as moderate, allowing for safer sun exposure, though caution is still recommended.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Central, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Central. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec478101112121110754
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Central, 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 Central UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Central 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.
Central's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Chicago UVI34689101098642
Brooklyn UVI35681010998642
New York City UVI35681010998642
Los Angeles UVI46891011111010754
Central478101112121110754
Houston UVI589111112121110975