Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cottonwood, Arizona, where intense sunlight is a hallmark of the climate. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As a city in a Csa climate zone, Cottonwood experiences warm, sunny days that can pose significant exposure risks, making it essential to monitor UV levels regularly. By staying informed, you can enjoy all that the beautiful outdoors has to offer while protecting your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but watch out as it rampages up to 4 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, when the index hits a 6, and it reaches its peak of 10 at 12:00. The sun is relentless, pushing the index to 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, making this the most hazardous time of the day. Fortunately, the UV levels start to decline after 15:00, dropping back to 9, then dwindling to 4 by 17:00, and finally retreating to a safer 1 by 19:00. Ensure you take proper sun protection measures during the peak hours to safeguard your skin!
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 4 | 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 |