Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Sonoita, Arizona, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching 12 during midday hours, understanding these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Sonoita's semi-arid climate and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike face heightened exposure risks, especially during summer months. By monitoring the UV Index regularly, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, showcasing its peak intensity around midday. At 07:00, the index starts off at a modest 1, climbing steadily to 3 by 08:00. The real action begins at 09:00, where it skyrockets to 6, and by 10:00, it reaches a noteworthy 8. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits a blistering maximum of 12 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling a critical time for sun safety. The intensity begins to taper in the afternoon, dropping to 10 at 14:00, then descending gradually to 5 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index dwindles, returning to a safe 1 by 18:00, and remaining there through 19:00. Be mindful of these changes to protect yourself under the sun!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |
| Sonoita | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |