Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Port Ludlow, Washington, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's temperate marine climate (Csb), residents and visitors alike can enjoy beautiful sunny days, but they must also recognize the risks posed by rising UV levels. Understanding these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach highs of 8. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy Port Ludlow’s picturesque landscapes safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise in intensity, peaking at 8 between 1 PM and 2 PM, making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Starting the morning with a low index of 1 at 7 AM, the values steadily increase as the sun climbs higher; by 10 AM, it reaches 5, indicating moderate sun strength. As the sun continues its ascent, the index climbs to 6 at 11 AM and further escalates to 7 at noon, urging sun safety precautions. After hitting the afternoon high of 8, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 by 3 PM, before gradually descending to 1 by 7 PM. This daily cycle emphasizes the importance of protective measures during midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Ludlow | 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 |