Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Desert Hot Springs, where the sun can be particularly intense. With a climate classified as Csa, this area experiences high UV levels that can pose significant risks like sunburn and long-term skin damage. Knowing the UV levels throughout the day allows you to take preventive measures, ensuring that outdoor activities don’t compromise your skin health. For instance, during the peak hours around noon, the UV Index can reach a staggering 12, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the day progresses, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM, and 5 by 9:00 AM, indicating a need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 12, marking the highest risk period between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where applying sunscreen is crucial to avoid harm. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, as the index drops to 11 by 2:00 PM and slides to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index continues to lessen, landing at 3 by 5:00 PM and settling back to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay sun-safe during the midday hours when the UV levels are at their peak!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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, 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 |