Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Desert Hot Springs, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during the hottest hours, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage becomes significant if precautions aren't taken. This desert area's dry climate coupled with high sun exposure makes it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV risks. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing your chances of overexposure—because protecting your skin is key to enjoying the sun safely in this vibrant oasis.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a moderate 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in as it climbs to 5 at 09:00, then surges to 8 at 10:00. By 11:00, it reaches a striking 10, and at 12:00, it boasts an impressive 12, marking the day's zenith. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, holding steady at 11 at 13:00 and tapering to 10 at 14:00. The evening sees a gentle decline to 8 at 15:00, followed by a drop to 5 at 16:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index sinks back to 3 at 17:00 and returns to 1 by 18:00, lingering at this low level until 19:00. This fascinating pattern underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the 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 | 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, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting how residents and visitors should approach sun safety. From March through August, the UV Index reaches its peak, with high-risk months identified as April, May, June, July, and August, where it remains in the extreme category, necessitating protective measures with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index begins to decline, though September and October still present very high exposure risks with burn times of 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December have a moderate UV Index, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure, particularly during peak hours in high-risk months, and to use sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to safeguard against harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Desert Hot Springs | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |