Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gilbert, Arizona, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With high UV levels peaking around midday, reaching a maximum of 12, residents and visitors must be aware of the risks of overexposure, including painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The arid BWh climate typical of Gilbert not only means more sunshine year-round but also heightens the potential for harmful UV radiation, particularly during the sweltering summer months. Staying informed about daily UV levels empowers you to enjoy the great outdoors safely, ensuring you can soak up the sun while keeping your skin healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable peak of intensity around midday. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index rises gradually to reach 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, things heat up quickly, with values soaring to 5 at 09:00 and then sharply escalating to a maximum of 12 by 12:00. This potent level of UV exposure is sustained until 13:00, when it slightly dips to 11. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, with readings of 10 at 14:00, 7 at 15:00, and slipping further to 5 at 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index dwindles back down to 2 at 17:00 and settles at a safer 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a clear reminder to protect your skin 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes indicate significant variations in sun exposure risk. During the high-risk months of March through August, UV Index levels peak, reaching extreme levels (11-12) from April to July. It's crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, particularly in these months, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Even in September and October, with UV levels still classified as very high, caution is warranted. For safety, individuals should utilize sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. In contrast, the moderate UV months of January, November, and December offer a reprieve, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. Regularly checking the UV index can help mitigate skin damage and promote sun safety year-round.
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 |
| Gilbert | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |