Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sun Lakes, Arizona, where the sun shines brightly most of the year. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin's health. With typical afternoon UV Index readings soaring to 12, the risks of overexposure are significant, especially for those venturing outdoors during peak hours. Given Sun Lakes' BWh climate, characterized by hot desert conditions, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help you make informed choices, enabling safe enjoyment of the beautiful Arizona sun while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable peak of intensity around midday. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index rises gradually to reach 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, things heat up quickly, with values soaring to 5 at 09:00 and then sharply escalating to a maximum of 12 by 12:00. This potent level of UV exposure is sustained until 13:00, when it slightly dips to 11. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, with readings of 10 at 14:00, 7 at 15:00, and slipping further to 5 at 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index dwindles back down to 2 at 17:00 and settles at a safer 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes indicate significant variations in sun exposure risk. During the high-risk months of March through August, UV Index levels peak, reaching extreme levels (11-12) from April to July. It's crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, particularly in these months, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Even in September and October, with UV levels still classified as very high, caution is warranted. For safety, individuals should utilize sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. In contrast, the moderate UV months of January, November, and December offer a reprieve, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. Regularly checking the UV index can help mitigate skin damage and promote sun safety year-round.
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 |
| Sun Lakes | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |