Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Cottonwood, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun's rays peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, understanding UV levels helps you prevent painful sunburns and reduces the long-term risks of skin damage. Cottonwood enjoys a Mediterranean climate (Csa), which means residents must be particularly vigilant as it often experiences intense sunlight, especially during peak summer months. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy.
The UV Index for today starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM, then gradually increases as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it hits 6, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity keeps climbing, reaching a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, making this the most crucial time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, then further to 2 by the evening, signalling a return to a safer UV environment. Remember, protecting your skin is vital during those peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring from April to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11. Specifically, May, June, and July are critical periods, characterized by minimal burn times of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December display a lower UV Index, categorized as moderate (3-5), allowing up to 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. As UV exposure increases, it is crucial for residents and visitors to take precautions, especially during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to effectively mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
Cottonwood | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
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 |