Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Falls Church, Virginia, where sun exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 10 at 1 PM, staying informed enables effective sunburn prevention and promotes long-term skin health. Falls Church, located in a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the warmer months. Being aware of these UV levels helps locals enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting their skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a clear picture of sun intensity. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the UV levels gradually rise, peaking at an intense 10 by 13:00. This midday spike calls for caution as sun exposure increases significantly. As the afternoon progresses, from 14:00 to 15:00, the index slightly dips to 9 and 8, respectively, before gradually falling off to 6 at 16:00 and down to a mellow 1 by 19:00. For outdoor enthusiasts, the window between 11:00 and 13:00 is the time to enjoy the sun while remaining mindful of skin protection.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, highlighting the need for awareness regarding sun exposure. From January to February, UV levels are moderate (index 3-5), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives in March, the index rises to 7, indicating high exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak risk occurs from April through August, where the index reaches its highest levels (9-10) and burn times drop to just 15 minutes, categorizing these months as very high risk. In September and October, the UV index remains significant but decreases to high levels (7-8) with a burn time of 25 minutes. November and December return to moderate levels (index 3-5) with a burn time of 30 minutes. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months from April to August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Falls Church | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 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 |