Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cottonwood, United States is vital for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. This information is crucial, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities, as high UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With its BSk climate, Cottonwood experiences notable variations in UV exposure throughout the day, particularly peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM when the index can reach alarming levels of 12. Staying informed about these fluctuations not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a pivotal role in overall skin health, so you can enjoy the sunny days in Cottonwood with confidence!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it increases to a moderate 3, but the real surge comes just before noon. The index peaks at an intense 12 during the midday hours, specifically at 12:00, urging sun protection for those outdoors. Following this high, a gradual decrease occurs, with the values declining to 10 by 14:00, then tapering off to 7 at 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV intensity drops significantly, falling to 1 by 19:00, signifying a much safer period for sun exposure. This hourly UVI cycle illustrates a clear pattern: the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, highlighting high-risk months during which sun exposure requires heightened caution. From February to August, the UV Index reaches levels between 8 and 12, indicating very high to extreme exposure categories, with burn times as short as 10 minutes. Notably, April through July presents the greatest risk, making it crucial for visitors and residents to protect their skin through the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade during peak hours. September and October see a gradual decline (UV Index 10 and 8, respectively), but still demand caution. As winter approaches in November and December, the UV Index decreases to 6 and 4, transitioning into a high to moderate exposure category, with burn times increasing back to 25 and 30 minutes. It’s essential for everyone to remain aware of these seasonal changes to ensure their safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Cottonwood | 4 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |