Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin in Lynchburg, Virginia, where the climate is a humid subtropical (Cfa) zone, leading to significant sun exposure year-round. With UV levels often peaking at 11 around midday, it's essential to be aware of these fluctuations in order to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. This guide will help you navigate the day’s UV exposure risks, ensuring that you can enjoy the beautiful Virginia sunshine safely while minimizing potential damage. Stay informed and protect yourself—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in sun intensity as the morning gives way to the blazing afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index spikes to 5, signaling a need for caution. As the clock approaches noon, the index reaches a peak of 10, representing a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The zenith of 11 at 1:00 PM demands serious precautions. However, by 4:00 PM, it begins to decline, settling at 6 by the late afternoon and tapering off to 1 by dusk. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
| Lynchburg | 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 |