Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Smithfield, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. As a town that experiences a Dfb climate, residents often enjoy sunny days, but this also means an increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches levels as high as 11. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your health—whether it's applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade during the most intense sun hours. Being aware of these fluctuations not only helps in preventing sunburn, but also plays a vital role in promoting overall skin wellness throughout the year.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern that underscores the importance of sun protection. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. A noticeable rise occurs as the day progresses, peaking at a blistering 11 between 13:00 and 14:00—the critical hours when UV exposure is at its highest. After this zenith, the index gracefully tapers down, showcasing 10 at 15:00, followed by a decline to 5 by 17:00. As evening approaches, values drop dramatically to 3 by 18:00, and finally, the day concludes with a safe 1 at 19:00. This data clearly highlights the importance of taking precautions during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV rays.
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Smithfield | 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 |