Chicago, Illinois, USA UV Index in January
The average UV index in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January is about 3.2 (Moderate), peaking near 5.1 at midday on clear days. Fair skin (Type II) can burn in roughly 28 minutes without sunscreen. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen if you are outside for more than an hour, especially near water or sand.
What is the UV index in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January?
Average UV
3.2
Moderate
Midday Peak
5.1
Clear-sky estimate
Fair Skin Burn Time
28 min
Type II, no sunscreen
How long can you stay in the sun in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January?
| Skin type | Time to first burn | With SPF 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 19 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 2 | 28 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 3 | 47 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 4 | 75 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 5 | 113 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 6 | 120 min | up to 240 min |
Estimates based on Chicago, Illinois, USA's latitude and typical January sun angle. Cloud cover, altitude and reflection from water or sand can raise or lower the real UV. Check the live forecast before long days outside.
Chicago, Illinois, USA UV Index by Month
When is the UV index highest and lowest in Chicago, Illinois, USA?
Highest: June (about 5). Lowest: December (about 3.1).
| Month | Average UV | Midday peak | Level | Fair skin burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2 | 5.1 | Moderate | 28 min |
| February | 3.7 | 5.9 | Moderate | 24 min |
| March | 4.2 | 6.7 | Moderate | 21 min |
| April | 4.7 | 7.5 | Moderate | 19 min |
| May | 4.9 | 7.8 | Moderate | 18 min |
| June | 5 | 8 | Moderate | 18 min |
| July | 5 | 8 | Moderate | 18 min |
| August | 4.8 | 7.7 | Moderate | 19 min |
| September | 4.4 | 7 | Moderate | 20 min |
| October | 3.9 | 6.2 | Moderate | 23 min |
| November | 3.3 | 5.3 | Moderate | 27 min |
| December | 3.1 | 5 | Moderate | 29 min |
Common questions about UV in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January
Do you need sunscreen in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January?
Yes. A UV index of 3.2 is Moderate, so use SPF 30+ on exposed skin between 10am and 4pm and reapply every two hours.
Can you tan in Chicago, Illinois, USA in January?
Yes, UV of 3.2 is strong enough to tan. Fair skin can burn in about 28 minutes, so build exposure slowly and use sunscreen.
What time of day is UV strongest in Chicago, Illinois, USA?
UV peaks around solar noon, roughly 11am to 2pm local time, when it can reach about 5.1 in January. Mornings and late afternoons are safest.
Is January a good month to visit Chicago, Illinois, USA for the sun?
January averages UV 3.2, compared with a yearly high of 5 in June and a low of 3.1 in December. Darker skin (Type VI) can burn in about 120 minutes at this level.