UV Index in Bristol, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Bristol, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the UV levels fluctuate throughout the day—reaching a peak of 11 around midday—understanding these levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Bristol's Cfa climate means residents often enjoy sunny days, but this also brings a heightened risk of UV exposure. Stay informed about the UV Index to safeguard your skin while enjoying the outdoors!

Hourly UV Index in Bristol

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a fascinating journey of sun exposure. Starting at a gentle level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise steadily, hitting 3 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the intensity escalates dramatically, soaring to 10 at noon and peaking at 11 from 13:00 to 14:00—ideal for sun protection measures! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with values dropping to 9 at 15:00, then further diminishing to 2 by 18:00, and finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. Whether lounging in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, awareness of this UV landscape is essential for safe enjoyment!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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	9	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bristol

The UV Index experiences a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking during the high-risk months of May, June, and July, where it reaches an extreme level of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, March and April also show very high levels (UV Index 8 and 10, respectively), resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently, as exposure can lead to skin damage in a matter of minutes. From August to October, the index gradually decreases; however, September and October still present high risks (UV Index 10 and 8) with a burn time of 15 minutes. As winter arrives, UV levels dip to moderate, and the burn times increase to 30 minutes in November and December, suggesting a lower risk of UV exposure. Always prioritize sun safety, especially in the warmer months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bristol, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bristol. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bristol, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bristol UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bristol compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bristol's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Bristol	4	6	8	10	11	11	11	10	10	8	5	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5