Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Prescott, United States, especially given its unique climate characteristics. With a semi-arid climate (BSk), Prescott sees higher UV exposure, particularly during mid-day hours when levels can soar to a blistering 12. Awareness of UV levels is essential, as it plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays and reducing the risk of long-term damage. Remember, even a brief outing in the sun can lead to significant UV exposure, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, when levels are at their peak!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 07:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 08:00, it increases to 3, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks sharply during the late morning and early afternoon, hitting a maximum of 12 at both 12:00 and 13:00—a strong reminder to seek shade and reapply sunscreen if you’re out and about. As the day progresses, the index gradually drops; with 8 at 15:00 and 5 by 16:00, providing a more manageable exposure level. As evening approaches, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 by 18:00, making twilight hours pleasant for a leisurely stroll.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 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 |