Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Altoona, United States, as it empowers individuals to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With exposure levels ranging significantly throughout the day, being aware of UV ratings can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues. Altoona's Dfb climate offers a mix of warm summers and cold winters, but during the summer months, UV exposure can reach peak levels—especially at midday. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, indicating that sun protection becomes a consideration. The intensity picks up significantly by 10:00 AM, reaching 5, before peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9. Notably, this peak persists through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where the UVI remains steady, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the day winds down, the index gradually declines—dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and trailing off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data not only highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours but also serves as a reminder to plan activities accordingly!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk occurring during the summer months of April to August. In these months, the UV Index peaks at 10 in June, categorizing the exposure as very high and resulting in a rapid burn time of just 15 minutes. May and July closely follow at an index of 8 and 9 respectively, while September sees a slight reduction to 7, still categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January and December showcase low UV exposure at an index of 2, with burn times extending up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 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 |