Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sierra Vista, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in this high-desert climate characterized by abundant sunshine and dry conditions. With peak UV exposure often reaching a high of 12 around midday, it becomes essential to take precautions during outdoor activities. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index for the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun exposure, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Starting the morning with a mild maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily rises, reaching 12 by midday—an indication of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 10 at 2:00 PM and then gradually decreases to a more moderate level of 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index settles back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors again. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable changes throughout the year, with peaks from March to September when the levels reach extreme (10-13), particularly in April and June. The highest risk months are March through September, where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes during peak exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November present moderate to high exposure levels, allowing for longer burn times of up to 30 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Sierra Vista | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |