Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Brightwood, United States, where the climate's humid subtropical conditions can lead to significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels rising to 10 around midday, awareness of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. As Brightwood enjoys sunny days typical of its climate zone, recognizing when UV radiation is at its highest can help residents take proactive measures, such as applying sunscreen and seeking shade, ensuring a healthier outdoor experience year-round.
At dawn, 7:00 AM, the UV Index is a mild 1, offering a gentle start to the day. As the sun climbs higher, it steadily rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and hitting 3 at 9:00 AM. However, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the intensity increases sharply, peaking at an impressive 10 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—the highest level of risk. The UV Index then begins its descent, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, followed by a gradual decline to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index wanes further, settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. To enjoy the sunshine while staying safe, make sure to take precautions, especially during those peak hours!
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 | 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 demonstrates notable seasonal changes, influencing the risk of sun exposure significantly. High-risk months typically occur from March to September, when the UV Index reaches levels categorized as high (7+) to extreme (11). April through August are particularly critical, with May exhibiting the highest risk at an extreme index of 11, allowing only a 10-minute burn time. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. As the year progresses, UV levels generally decrease, returning to moderate exposure in the fall and winter, where burn times extend to 30 minutes in January and December.
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 |
Brightwood | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 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 |