Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Galax, Virginia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to be informed about daily fluctuations. With a Cfb climate, residents can expect varying UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon, where the index can peak at a striking 11. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its modest ascent, starting at a gentle 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it picks up to 3, hinting at a sunnier day ahead. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a striking 10 at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 11 by 1:00 PM—perfect for those sun-seeking adventurers! However, after this zenith, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and further easing to a 4 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, it falls to 2, and as the sun sets, it returns to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during those peak hours to protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Galax | 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 |