Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lynden, Washington, where the temperate climate can mask the risks of sun exposure. With UV levels reaching as high as 7 during midday, staying informed can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Knowing these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, such as applying sunscreen or seeking shade during peak times. Awareness of UV risks is especially important in Lynden, where the beautiful, yet occasionally overcast, skies can lead to underestimating sun intensity. Stay safe and protect your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a steady climb, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 7. The morning begins gently, with values starting at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun ascends higher, the index swells to 6 by 11:00 and peaks at 7 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating strong sun exposure. Post-peak, the UV Index gracefully descends, slipping back to 6 at 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay mindful of sun protection, especially 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 reflects significant seasonal changes that impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV Index peaks at 9 in July, indicating very high exposure risk with a burn time as low as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Meanwhile, the winter months of January and February see a drop in UV levels to 2 and 3, classified as low to moderate, allowing for more lenient sun exposure while still taking care to protect skin. As the UV Index generally decreases towards the end of the year, exposure caution can be relaxed, particularly in November and December when burn times extend back to 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynden | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |