Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cottonwood, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. This unique desert climate features high levels of ultraviolet radiation, especially during the warmer months, making it vital to track UV exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities safely. With peak UV Index values reaching 12 around noon, it's essential to take protective measures when the sun is strongest. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of Cottonwood while keeping your skin protected!
Beginning at 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, but it quickly gains momentum as the sun rises. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 6, marking the beginning of peak sun intensity. The afternoon hours are particularly intense, with the UV Index soaring to its highest point of 12 by 12:00 PM and maintaining that level until 1:00 PM. As the day progresses, the index gradually tapers off, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and descending further to 5 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the values drop back to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a retreat from the sun's strongest rays. Stay mindful of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when the UV Index reaches its zenith!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |