Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Parkersburg, United States, where the Cfa climate often leads to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during midday hours, awareness of these indices is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Armed with the knowledge of UV levels, Parkersburg's residents can enjoy outdoor activities while taking necessary precautions to protect themselves from harmful UV rays, especially during the warmer months when exposure risks are elevated.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The heat peaks around 12:00, reaching a blistering 9, and hits its maximum at 13:00 and 14:00, both at a high of 10—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the UV Index gradually dips; by 18:00, it's down to 2, and as twilight approaches, it settles back at 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From March to September, the UV index reaches high to very high levels, peaking in May, June, and July at an index of 10, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. April also sees very high exposure with an index of 9. The months of March and October feature higher indexes of 7 and 6 respectively, classified as high, while the winter months of January, February, November, and December are categorized as moderate with indexes ranging from 3 to 5, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Therefore, residents and visitors are advised to exercise extra caution during the high-risk months of April to September by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Parkersburg | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |