Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in the Central United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's BSk climate, residents face unique UV exposure risks that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak sunlight hours, UV levels can soar, reaching a maximum of 11 by early afternoon. By staying informed and understanding these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Embrace the sun, but do so wisely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for a leisurely morning. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling that it's time to enjoy some shade. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a maximum index of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Continuing at 13:00 and 14:00, the index holds steady at 11, urging caution with the midday sun blazing down. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down with a gentle 1 at 19:00, marking a safe return to outdoor activities as the sun sets. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Central | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |