Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Key Center, Washington, where the mild marine climate can still pose significant sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking between 12 PM and 2 PM, recognizing these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. High UV indices, reaching up to 8 during midday, can lead to increased risk of skin damage, making awareness key to enjoying the outdoors safely. Stay informed about the UV Index to protect yourself and your loved ones while embracing the beauty of Key Center's natural surroundings.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a fascinating pattern of sun intensity. Early risers will notice a gentle start at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the index hits 6 at 11:00 AM, escalating to an impressive 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM—the height of solar exposure. After this, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM, and further decreasing to moderate numbers of 5, 3, and 2 as the sun sets, concluding the day with a calm 1 at 7:00 PM. Remember, during the peak hours, sun safety is crucial!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, impacting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. January sees a low UV Index of 2, gradually rising to 3 in February and March, where the exposure risk becomes moderate. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index peaks during May through August, reaching a high of 9 in June and July, indicating a very high risk of harm with a burn time as quick as 15 minutes. In contrast, September drops to a high category of 7, followed by a return to moderate levels in October and November, while December ends the year with a very low index of 1. Visitors and residents are advised to take special precautions during the high-risk months of May through August, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during the peak sun hours to minimize the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Center | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 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 |