Last updated: July 2, 2025
In West Side Highway, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With the local Csb climate, UV exposure can vary throughout the day, often peaking with an index of 9 during midday hours—just when you're most likely to be outdoors. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can take proactive steps to safeguard yourself and enjoy the sunny beauty of your surroundings without compromising your skin’s wellbeing.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, indicating an increase in sun exposure risks during certain months. High-risk months include May, June, July, and August, when the UV Index reaches its peak at 9 to 10 and falls within the very high exposure category. During these months, individuals should limit direct sun exposure, using protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing, as the burn time can drop to just 15 minutes. Conversely, the low-risk months of January, February, and December, with UV indices of 2 or 3, allow for longer sun exposure safely—up to 45 minutes in winter. As the UV levels fluctuate, it is essential for visitors and residents to stay informed and adapt their sun protection strategies accordingly, particularly during the peak summer months when risks are highest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Side Highway | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 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 |