Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bothell, Washington, particularly for safeguarding skin health during the sun's peak hours. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation; a lower index may suggest lower risk, but even moderate levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if preventive measures are not taken. With Bothell's mild Csb climate, residents often enjoy outdoor activities, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. As you plan your day, keep an eye on the UV index—a peak of 8 during midday signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protect your skin and enjoy the beauty of Bothell with confidence!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise in intensity, peaking at 8 between 1 PM and 2 PM, making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Starting the morning with a low index of 1 at 7 AM, the values steadily increase as the sun climbs higher; by 10 AM, it reaches 5, indicating moderate sun strength. As the sun continues its ascent, the index climbs to 6 at 11 AM and further escalates to 7 at noon, urging sun safety precautions. After hitting the afternoon high of 8, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 by 3 PM, before gradually descending to 1 by 7 PM. This daily cycle emphasizes the importance of protective measures during midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin safety for visitors and residents. January to March sees a gradual increase in UV Index, peaking with a moderate level in March at 5, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months, characterized by extremely high levels of UV radiation, are May through August, with indices soaring to 9 and enforcing a burn time of just 15 minutes. Following this, September presents a moderate risk with an index of 7, and a burn time of 25 minutes, before dropping again in October with a moderate index of 5. November and December then return to lower risks, emphasizing a UV Index of 2 and 1, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. To minimize the risk of UV-related harm, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bothell | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |