Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Arizona City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's warm BWh climate, residents and visitors alike face heightened risks of sunburn and skin damage, especially during the peak UV hours when levels soar to a maximum of 12 at noon. By staying aware of daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to minimize exposure and protect yourself from harmful effects, ensuring your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe. Whether you're lounging outdoors or engaging in activities, keeping an eye on the UV Index can significantly enhance your sun safety practices.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 3, hinting at increased sun exposure. The intensity picks up rapidly, reaching 5 by 09:00, then surging to peak at 12 between 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time to seek shade or slather on some sunscreen. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, drifting down to 10 at 14:00 and gradually tapering off to 7 by 15:00. As the sun lowers in the sky, the UV levels fall to 5 by 16:00, slipping further to a mild 3 at 17:00, and eventually settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a rollercoaster of sun strength that highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months being March through August, when the UV Index peaks at 12, indicating extreme exposure levels. Specifically, April, May, and June consistently show this maximum UV Index, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, but still poses a very high risk in September and October with indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly from March to August, and take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the winter months of January and December see lower UV exposure, categorized as moderate, with longer burn times of 30 minutes, making sun protection less critical but still advisable.
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 |
| Arizona City | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |