Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Providence, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With UV levels reaching as high as 12 during peak hours, understanding these levels can help locals and visitors alike enjoy the outdoors safely. Providence experiences a Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, which means that during the summer months, residents are particularly at risk of UV exposure. Staying informed about the UV Index not only protects your skin but also empowers you to make informed decisions about outdoor activities throughout the year.
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.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, with the most significant increases occurring from March through September. High-risk months for UV exposure are April to August, when the index reaches extreme levels (11-12), resulting in a burn time as brief as 10 minutes. As a precaution, both visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently. In contrast, January, February, October, and November show moderate levels of UV exposure, with longer burn times of 30 minutes, indicating a reduced risk but still warranting protective measures when outdoors. Awareness of these changes will help individuals enjoy sun exposure safely throughout the year.
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 |
Providence | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |