Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Bedford, United States, as it plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn, promoting healthier skin and reducing the risk of long-term damage. Bedford's humid subtropical climate brings a blend of warm summers and mild winters, which means that UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the year. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV levels can reach as high as 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being informed empowers you to enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin!
During the day, the UV Index fluctuates, providing a clear picture of sunlight intensity. Morning hours see a gentle rise, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and jumping to an intense 7 by 11:00 AM. The hottest moment arrives at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a peak of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 6 at 4:00 PM and gradually descending to 1 by 7:00 PM, suggesting that early morning and late evening are the most favorable times to bask in the sun safely.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to September. During this period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches its peak at 10 and 11, categorizing it as very high to extreme and resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 to 15 minutes. As the season transitions into October, the risks diminish, but it's still advisable to exercise caution. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still pose a threat, so stay vigilant year-round!
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 |
| Bedford | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |