Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Truckee, California, where the sun's rays can be deceptively strong, especially during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, making it a vital consideration for outdoor activities. With Truckee's Csb climate providing ample opportunities for sunshine, the risk of significant UV exposure increases, particularly around midday when the index peaks at 11 to 12. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Truckee while protecting your skin from unnecessary harm.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern as the sun ascends. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, marking the arrival of noticeable sunlight. The real intensity hits its peak at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 11—a cautionary moment for those outdoors. As we move through the afternoon, the index remains elevated, reaching 12 at 13:00 before gradually descending, settling back to 7 by 16:00. The evening sees a return to safer levels with 2 at 18:00 and finally back to 1 as the day wanes at 19:00. This dynamic shift underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest UV exposure occurring during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index reaches its peak, especially in April, May, and June, where it consistently sits at 12, indicating extreme risk with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. March and September are also critical months, presenting very high levels of UV exposure. For January, October, and February, UV levels remain moderate to high, with burn times of 30 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during March through August, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Truckee | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |