Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prescott Valley, United States, where the high desert climate can lead to significant sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 during midday, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. As the sun shines brightly in this beautiful region, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin. Stay informed about the UV Index to ensure you enjoy the sunny outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00, it ramps up to 3, but it’s between 9:00 and 11:00 that it truly peaks, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, the hour when sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon sun keeps its intensity, maintaining a strong 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. However, as the day progresses, the index starts to dip, falling to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index diminishes to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the solar intensity. It’s a clear reminder that midday hours demand vigilance against UV exposure! 🌞
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months being March through August, when the UV Index peaks at 12, indicating extreme exposure levels. Specifically, April, May, and June consistently show this maximum UV Index, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, but still poses a very high risk in September and October with indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly from March to August, and take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the winter months of January and December see lower UV exposure, categorized as moderate, with longer burn times of 30 minutes, making sun protection less critical but still advisable.
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 |
| Prescott Valley | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |