Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Rafter J Ranch, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With a Dfc climate that often sees high UV exposure, particularly during peak hours between 11 AM and 2 PM when the index can soar to 11 or even 12, awareness becomes even more essential. Stay informed and take precautions to ensure your time spent under the sun is both enjoyable and safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching 1 by 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling the start of the day’s UV exposure. Things heat up quickly, reaching 4 at 09:00 and then jumping to 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, hitting 11, and just an hour later, 13:00, it reaches its maximum of 12. This high level continues until 14:00, where it remains steady. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline: jotting down to 10 at 15:00, then 8 at 16:00, and tapering off to 5 by 17:00. By the evening hours, it gently reduces to 3 at 18:00 and settles back to 1 by 19:00. This cycle underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00 when UV exposure is at its strongest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with March through September marked as high-risk months for UV exposure. During this period, the UV Index climbs to extreme levels in May, June, July, and August, peaking at 12, which means the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Even in April, the UV Index reaches 10, categorizing it as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As we transition into the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases to moderate or low levels, with the lowest recorded in December at 2, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing sun protection, seeking shade, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
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 |
| Rafter J Ranch | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 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 |