Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs, where the climate typically features warm summers that can elevate UV levels significantly. Awareness of UV exposure is vital for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a high of 12 around noon. With Saratoga Springs experiencing a Cfa climate, which includes humid subtropical conditions, it's essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely and effectively. Whether you're spending the day at the lake or exploring the city's parks, knowing the UV Index can help you protect yourself and make the most of your outdoor activities.
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 |
| Saratoga Springs | 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 |