UV Index in Richmond, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Richmond, United States, is crucial for ensuring your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With UV levels peaking at a formidable 11 around midday, being aware of these levels can help you take appropriate precautions, such as applying sunscreen or seeking shade. Richmond's Dfb climate, characterized by hot summers, adds to the UV exposure risks, making it all the more important to monitor the index regularly. By staying informed, you not only protect your skin but also enjoy the sunny days safely!

Hourly UV Index in Richmond

The UV Index reveals a dynamic daily pattern, starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, and gradually climbing to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, 12:00 PM also sees a high of 10, signaling an urgent need for sun protection. After this peak, a downward trend persists, with readings dropping to 7 by 4:00 PM, and further declining to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of remaining vigilant about UV exposure during the midday hours when the risk is greatest, highlighting the necessity of precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing.

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.
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	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Richmond

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Richmond, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Richmond. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Richmond, 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 Richmond UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Richmond 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.

Richmond's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Richmond	3	5	8	10	11	12	11	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