Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Suffolk, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from potential damage caused by excessive sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for promoting long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With a climate characterized by hot summers and moderate UV exposure, Suffolk residents should be particularly aware during peak hours when the UV Index can reach 10, indicating very high levels of ultraviolet radiation. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's future.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, reflecting varying risks for sun exposure throughout the year. January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February escalates to a high index of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The risks peak in spring and summer, with March through July experiencing very high to extreme levels, particularly in July at a dangerous 11, where just 10 minutes of sun can cause burns. As summer wanes, August and September remain risky, however, the index gradually decreases through October to December, where it levels out to a moderate index of 5 and 3 respectively, allowing for safer exposure of 30 minutes. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of March through September, especially in July when the UV exposure is at its peak. Always wear protective clothing, utilize sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate the risk of harmful effects from UV radiation.
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 |
| Suffolk | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |