Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Massanutten, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the varying levels of UV radiation can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index can soar to as high as 11. With a humid subtropical climate typical of the Cfa zone, residents and visitors in Massanutten face heightened exposure risks, making UV awareness essential for enjoying the outdoors safely. Stay informed about daily UV levels to keep your skin safe and healthy while soaking up the beauty of this stunning locale!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling a notable increase in solar radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10 and continues to soar to a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, marking the hour of greatest exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off—dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and 8 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index gracefully descends to 4 at 5:00 PM, settling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during mid-day when UV rays are at their most intense.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 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, UV index levels experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to September. During this period, especially in April (UV Index 9), May (UV Index 11), and the peak summer months of June, July, and August (all at UV Index 10), the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is very high to extreme. The burn time decreases sharply, from 15 minutes in May to just 10 minutes, highlighting the urgent need for precautions. As such, visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risks associated with high UV exposure. On the flip side, the winter months of January and December exhibit a moderate UV index (3), allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. Staying informed and taking appropriate measures can significantly reduce the risk of sun-related health issues across all seasons.
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 |
| Massanutten | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 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 |