Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Smithfield is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and avoiding painful sunburns. As this vibrant town experiences a Dfb climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the potential for high UV exposure, especially during peak hours from 11 AM to 2 PM when the index can soar to levels 11 and 12. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring that outdoor activities are both enjoyable and protective of your skin.
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 |
| 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 |