Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Lake Stevens, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents prevent sunburn and reduce long-term risks associated with UV exposure, such as skin cancer and premature aging. With a climate marked by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, Lake Stevens experiences variable UV exposure throughout the year. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UV Index can soar as high as 9, it's essential to adopt sun safety practices to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, starting low at 1 at 07:00 AM and gradually climbing. By 09:00 AM, it hits 3, but the real intensity kicks in by 12:00 PM, peaking at an impressive 8. The UV levels reach their zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where they maintain a high of 9, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon fades, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 4:00 PM and further to 4 at 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index settles back down to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a vivid reminder of the sun’s strength—safety and sun protection are key 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV Index reflect varying levels of sun exposure risks. The highest risk months occur from May to August, where the UV Index climbs to very high levels (8-9), reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to high exposure with a UV Index of 6, while February and March indicate a shift towards moderate levels (3-5). During the fall and winter months, from September to February, the UV levels drop significantly, creating lower risk periods. Residents and visitors should take preventive measures seriously during the high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 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 |