Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Spring Valley, United States, where sunny days abound and UV exposure can be significant. With a climate classified as BSk, locals must be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day, especially when peak values reach as high as 12 around midday. Monitoring these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, as excessive UV radiation can lead to long-term damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents can enjoy the beautiful spring weather while protecting themselves from the sun's harmful effects.
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 |
| Spring 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 |