Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Palm Springs, where the sun shines brightly almost year-round. With notable UV levels reaching up to 12, awareness of these measurements is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given Palm Springs' warm climate categorized as Csa, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation can pose significant risks, especially during midday hours when the index peaks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a striking score of 12—a clear indication of intense midday sun. Starting from a low 1 at 7:00 AM, the index swiftly climbs, reaching 10 by 11:00 AM, suggesting that sun protection is essential. The afternoon sees a slight drop, with the index falling to 9 at 3:00 PM, but remains elevated enough to warrant caution. As the day winds down, the UV Index dips back to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM, allowing for a more relaxed outdoor experience. Remember to protect yourself during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, requiring about 30 minutes for skin to burn, while February climbs to a high 6 with a burn time of 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are March through August, where the index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 12 in May, June, and July, with an alarming burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in September and October, the UV Index remains high at 11 and 8 respectively. Following a dip in November and December to moderate levels, it's essential for visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months of March through October, employing sun protection strategies such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during peak hours to reduce the risk of UV-related 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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Palm Springs | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |