Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pittsfield, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and preventing sunburn. With the city nestled in a Dfb climate zone, residents can experience varying UV exposure levels throughout the day, peaking with an index of 9 at midday. Awareness of these levels not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also plays a vital role in promoting long-term skin health. As summer approaches and the sun's intensity increases, staying informed about the UV Index becomes essential for enjoying the great outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a clear peak, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates sharply, reaching 6 at 10:00 AM and peaking at an impressive 9 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This period represents the height of midday sun exposure, highlighting the importance of protection. After this zenith, the index begins to decline, with a gradual drop to 6 by 3:00 PM, then 4 at 4:00 PM, ultimately settling back to 1 by the evening hours. Overall, it’s a day that encourages careful sun safety practices, especially during those 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index hovers at moderate levels (3 to 5), with a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. The high-risk months emerge in April through August, peaking in June at a UV Index of 10, where the burn time shrinks to just 15 minutes. September sees a decrease to a high level of 7, while October through December gradually lower the UV Index back to moderate and low levels (3 to 2), allowing for longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety measures, especially from April to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize their risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |