Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Central Park, United States, where the lush landscape invites outdoor activities year-round. Monitoring UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, as harmful rays can peak dramatically in the midday sun—evident from hourly data showing levels soaring to 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Given Central Park's Csb climate, where sunny days are common, awareness of UV exposure is crucial in safeguarding your skin from potential damage. Enjoy the beauty of this urban oasis, but don’t forget to check the UV Index before stepping out to optimize your sun safety!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, indicating minimal risk. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, still manageable for early risers. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM with a 3, signaling the need for a little sunscreen. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it soars to a striking 9 at 1:00 PM, which suggests strong sun protection is essential. Following this, the index slips down, recorded at 8 at 2:00 PM and 7 at 3:00 PM, offering a brief reprieve. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index drops steadily, landing back at 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
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 |