UV Index in Pima, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Pima, United States, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage by guiding you on when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. Given Pima's BSk climate—characterized by dry, sunny conditions—UV exposure can peak significantly, particularly around midday when the index hits a staggering 13. Stay informed and protect your skin by checking the UV Index regularly, especially during peak hours!

Hourly UV Index in Pima

At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, but as the sun ascends, the intensity swiftly rises. By 10:00 AM, it hits a striking 9, reaching its peak at noon with a blistering 13. The afternoon offers a slight reprieve, with levels declining to 10 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to a manageable 5 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index drops to 1 at 6:00 PM, slipping further to remain low throughout the night. For optimal sun safety, it’s essential to maximize protection during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when the UV rays are at their most potent!

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	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Pima

Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the most intense months being March through September. During this period, particularly from April to September, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-13), corresponding to a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks the beginning of the high-risk season with an Index of 7, while the months of October and November see a gradual decrease, falling back to moderate and high exposure categories, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the summer months, adopting protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest. By staying informed about these seasonal changes, individuals can better protect their skin and overall health.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Pima, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Pima. 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 Pima, 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 Pima UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Pima 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.

Pima'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
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5
Pima	5	7	10	11	12	13	12	12	11	8	6	5