Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Apache Junction, where the BWh climate leads to intense sunlight, especially during summer months. With UV levels often reaching extreme heights—topping out at 12 around midday—awareness of these values becomes essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. The potential risks associated with high UV exposure are significant, making it vital for everyone to take precautionary measures. By staying informed about local UV index levels, you can protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Arizona sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild at 1 at 07:00, making it safe to enjoy the morning outdoors. By 08:00, it increases to 3, signaling the need for light protection. However, the real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00, with the index peaking at a robust 12 by 12:00 and 13:00. During these hours, the sun’s rays are at their strongest, reaching a maximum of 11 at 11:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and gradually falling to 1 by 19:00. To make the most of your day, plan your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon for a safer experience under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the year progresses, seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV exposure from January to May, reaching an extreme level of 11 by May and staying elevated throughout the summer months of June and July. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, particularly April and May, which see very high to extreme UV Index values. During these peak months, the burn time reduces dramatically to just 10 minutes, necessitating strong sun protection measures. Visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure during these high UV periods, especially around midday, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, while seeking shade whenever possible. As the year comes to a close, UV levels drop back down to moderate levels in November and December, where precautions can be relaxed slightly.
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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Apache Junction | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |