Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Amherst, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the daily UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also supports long-term skin health, reducing the risk of skin cancers and premature aging. With Amherst's Dfb climate, residents face varying UV exposure throughout the year, particularly during the sunniest summer months when peak UV levels can reach 9 around midday. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, slowly warming up for the day ahead. Things heat up significantly by 09:00, hitting 4, and by 10:00, it climbs to a peak of 6. The zenith arrives at 12:00, where the index stands tall at 8, and by 13:00, it reaches a sizzling 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon wears on, the UV intensity begins to wane, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and then to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it cools further to 5, retreating to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief as the UV Index transitions back down to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. This hourly journey highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, highlighting periods of higher risk for sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, with February seeing an increase. April to August marks the peak high-risk months, featuring very high UV levels, particularly in June and July, where the burn time drops to a remarkable 15 minutes. September transitions into a high UV category, while October to December see a gradual decline, returning to low risk by year's end. To protect yourself, especially during the high UV months of April through August, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize exposure. Be particularly vigilant during the summer months when burn time is significantly reduced.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |