Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Rancho Mirage, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health under the sun. With rising UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these ratings can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. This desert oasis, characterized by its hot-summer Mediterranean climate, poses unique UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months. By recognizing and monitoring the daily UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beautiful California sun while taking vital precautions for their skin's safety.
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 |
| Rancho Mirage | 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 |