Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Salem, United States. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during the midday hours, awareness of these figures can help residents protect themselves from harmful sun exposure, preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Given Salem's temperate climate, the risk of UV exposure can often be underestimated, making it all the more important to stay informed about daily UV levels. Whether you're heading outdoors for work or leisure, knowing the UV Index can ensure you take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a measly 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle introduction to the day’s potential. By 09:00, it ticks up to 3, signaling a warming trend. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, reaching 5. From 11:00 onwards, the UV Index soars dramatically, peaking at 10 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and then settling at 4 by 17:00. The evening brings a welcomed reprieve, with the UV Index returning to 1 by 19:00. It's a day to enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels recorded during the summer months. From March to September, the UV Index frequently reaches values categorized as very high or extreme, particularly peaking in June at an index of 11, where the burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes. High-risk months for sun exposure are April to July, where precautions are essential due to rapid burn times. As a general guideline, visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, especially when UV levels are above 6. As the year progresses into October to December, UV levels decrease, making sun safety less critical, but moderate precautions remain advisable.
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 |
| Salem | 3 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 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 |