Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in South Charleston, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the area's Cfa climate featuring hot summers and ample sunshine, knowing the daily UV levels can help you take necessary precautions. For instance, during peak hours—particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches as high as 10—protective measures are essential. Awareness of UV exposure not only aids in avoiding immediate skin damage but also plays a key role in reducing the long-term risks of skin cancer. Stay informed and keep your skin safe under the South Charleston sun!
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months spanning from April to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high levels, peaking at 10 in May, June, July, and August, where the burn time is as short as 15 minutes. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present moderate risk with an Index of 3 to 5, allowing up to 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. Residents and visitors should take precautions during the spring and summer months, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate, so remain vigilant year-round.
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 |
| South Charleston | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |