Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Flagstaff, Arizona, where the sun’s rays can be deceptively strong, especially during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. Flagstaff, with its Csb climate, experiences significant UV exposure, illustrating the importance of protecting your skin from harm. With peak UV Index values soaring as high as 13 during midday, it’s essential to check the UV Index regularly and take appropriate precautions to ensure a healthy, sun-conscious lifestyle in this beautiful mountain town.
The UV Index for today reveals a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity as the day progresses. From a gentle start at 07:00 with a value of 2, the index climbs steadily to reach a peak of 13 by 12:00. 11:00 marks the onset of extreme caution, hitting 11, and swiftly moves to its highest point at 12:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the sun’s intensity begins to wane, dropping to 11 at 14:00, then gradually decreasing to 5 by 16:00. By the evening, the index returns to a low of 1 at both 18:00 and 19:00. Remember, during those peak hours, it's essential to protect your skin and stay hydrated!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate, indicating varying risks for skin exposure. The high-risk months are primarily from March to September, where the UV Index peaks at 13 in both June and July, classified as extreme, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize skin protection during these months with appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. The months of February and October also present very high UV levels of 8, with shorter burn times of 15 minutes, necessitating caution. Conversely, January, November, and December feature moderate to high UV levels, with more forgiving burn times, though protective measures should still be considered. Emphasizing sun safety year-round is essential for both health and well-being.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Flagstaff | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |