UV Index in Oro Valley, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Oro Valley, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's BSk climate, characterized by intense sunshine and warm temperatures, knowing the UV levels helps you take precautionary measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking at midday with levels reaching as high as 12—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV readings, you can enjoy the beautiful Arizona outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Oro Valley

The UV Index today tells a dramatic story of sunlight intensity as the day progresses. Starting off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, the sun begins its ascent and the index surges, reaching a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As we approach 9:00 AM, it climbs to 6, signifying that sunscreen might be wise. But the real heat kicks in at 10:00 AM with a striking 8, soaring to a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a serious warning to take protective measures. The afternoon sees a gradual decline as the index drops to 10 at 2:00 PM, and then steadily decreases through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Oro Valley

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Oro Valley, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Oro Valley. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Oro Valley, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Oro Valley UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Oro Valley compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Oro Valley's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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