Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Potter Valley, United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the local climate characterized by a mild Mediterranean influence (Csb), residents and visitors alike face unique UV exposure risks, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. As UV levels can soar to a high of 11 between noon and 1 PM, it’s essential to be aware of these fluctuations to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin’s health—so let’s dive into what these numbers mean for your day in Potter Valley!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which peak during the summer months. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes, while February holds steady at 5. The risk begins to rise in March with a high UV Index of 7 and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. From April through July, the UV Index escalates to very high and extreme levels peaking at 11, resulting in very short burn times of just 10 minutes. August and September maintain a very high Index of 10 and 9, respectively, with burn times of 15 minutes. October decreases to a high level of 7, while risk subsides again in November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Potter Valley | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |