Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Oro Valley, nestled in the heart of the BSk climate zone. With its abundant sunshine and high altitudes, Oro Valley experiences elevated UV levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when readings can soar to a maximum of 12. Knowing the UV Index empowers you to take proactive steps in preventing sunburn and ensuring skin health, especially during the peak hours when the sun's rays are most intense. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from potential long-term damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 AM. By 08:00 AM, it increases to 3, indicating a slight uptick in UV exposure. The intensity escalates rapidly, peaking at 12 between 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM, suggesting the need for sun protection is at its utmost. The index then begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 02:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels fall back to 1 by 06:00 PM, marking a significant reduction in sun intensity. This hourly data highlights the critical midday hours where caution is essential, as the sun can be particularly harsh. Be sure to enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!
| 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 | 9 | 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 | 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 |
| Oro Valley | 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 |