Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in the Catalina Foothills is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's BSh climate offering abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels becomes essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, the UV Index can soar as high as 12, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By monitoring these levels, residents and visitors can make informed decisions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with high UV exposure. Stay informed, protect your skin, and embrace the 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, posing different levels of risk to visitors and residents. From January to April, UV exposure starts low but escalates sharply, peaking in May and June at an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are notably March through August, where caution is essential due to very high to extreme UV levels. September maintains high UV exposure, before tapering down in October. As we approach the winter months, the UV Index reduces, with levels returning to moderate by December. To ensure safety, it's crucial for everyone to apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade during peak hours, and wear protective clothing, especially during the highest risk periods.
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 |
| Catalina Foothills | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |