Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Tucson Estates, where the sun shines brightly under a BSh climate. With peak UV levels often reaching a staggering 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuating levels is key to protecting your skin from harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term health issues. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the area's abundant sunshine safely, minimizing risks associated with high UV exposure. With Tucson Estates’ warm climate, capturing this knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about outdoor activities, ensuring your skin stays healthy while you soak in the sun.
The UV Index today tells a dramatic story of sunlight intensity as the day progresses. Starting off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, the sun begins its ascent and the index surges, reaching a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As we approach 9:00 AM, it climbs to 6, signifying that sunscreen might be wise. But the real heat kicks in at 10:00 AM with a striking 8, soaring to a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a serious warning to take protective measures. The afternoon sees a gradual decline as the index drops to 10 at 2:00 PM, and then steadily decreases through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and 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 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, posing different levels of risk to visitors and residents. From January to April, UV exposure starts low but escalates sharply, peaking in May and June at an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are notably March through August, where caution is essential due to very high to extreme UV levels. September maintains high UV exposure, before tapering down in October. As we approach the winter months, the UV Index reduces, with levels returning to moderate by December. To ensure safety, it's crucial for everyone to apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade during peak hours, and wear protective clothing, especially during the highest risk periods.
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 |
| Tucson Estates | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |