Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Madison, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at a significant 10 during midday, knowledge of these values can be a game-changer for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Madison's continental climate brings varying UV exposure risks throughout the year, making it essential for residents to stay informed and take the appropriate precautions. By checking the UV Index regularly, you empower yourself to enjoy the outdoors safely, ensuring that your adventures under the sun don’t come at the cost of your well-being.
The UV index on this particular day presents a notable trend as the sun rises and peaks. Starting at 07:00, the index is a gentle 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. The ascent continues as it reaches 4 at 09:00 and hits 6 by 10:00. Midday shines brightest, with the index soaring to a maximum of 10 at both 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. As the day progresses, values begin to dip, falling to 9 at 14:00, and then decreasing further to 8 at 15:00. By 16:00, the UV index drops to 6, and as evening approaches, it relaxes to 3 at 17:00, down to 2 by 18:00, and finally retreating to 1 at 19:00. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes that impact sun safety for residents and visitors. From April to September, the UV Index peaks, reaching levels as high as 10 in the summer months of June and July. This indicates a very high exposure category, with a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes during these months. Conversely, during the winter months of December through February, the UV Index is considerably lower, ranging from 2 to 4, with a burn time of 30 to 45 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of April to September, and take appropriate protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize their risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |