Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Central Park, as it serves as a vital indicator of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation levels. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. With a climate classified as Csb, Central Park experiences varying UV exposures throughout the day, peaking at 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM, signaling substantial risks for sun damage during these hours. By staying informed and taking appropriate sun protection measures, you can enjoy the beauty of this iconic park while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 varies significantly, highlighting important seasonal changes that affect both residents and visitors. January and December see the lowest UV levels (Index 2, low exposure), with a generous burn time of 45 minutes, making them relatively safer months. As the year progresses into spring, February (Index 3, moderate) and March (Index 5, moderate) indicate a gradual increase in UV exposure, requiring more cautious sun protection. Attention is crucial during the peak summer months of May, June, and July, where the UV Index reaches 9, categorizing them as very high, with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. August and September also pose high risks (Indexes 8 and 7, respectively), making sun safety paramount. As autumn approaches, conditions moderate again in October and November, reverting to a moderate index, but precautions should still be taken. Those engaging in outdoor activities should be vigilant with sun protection, especially between May and September, to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Park | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |