Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Stephens City, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Nestled in a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Stephens City experiences varying UV intensities throughout the day, with peaks reaching a high of 10 around midday. This makes it imperative for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the outdoors safely and minimize the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
| 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 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being April through September, when the UV Index consistently falls within the very high category (10) for most of this period. March marks a transition into high exposure (UV Index 7), while October sees a decrease back to high levels. The moderate exposure months are January, February, November, and December, where burn times are longer, allowing for more extended safe exposure, specifically 30 minutes in January, February, November, and December, and 25 minutes in October. To protect against UV radiation, it is essential for visitors and residents alike to adjust their sun safety practices during the high-risk months. This includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with a high SPF, and limiting sun exposure during peak 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 |
| Stephens City | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 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 |