UV Index in Cottonwood, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Cottonwood, United States is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As residents of this semi-arid climate experience high sunlight exposure, especially during the summer months, being aware of UV levels can empower you to protect your skin from harmful rays. With peak UV Index readings soaring to a striking 12 around midday, it’s crucial to take precautions during these hours to enjoy the sun safely. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and ensure your skin stays healthy for years to come.

Hourly UV Index in Cottonwood

Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially when the UV Index is at its highest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	6	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cottonwood

As the seasons change, so do UV levels, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. From March to August, the UV Index peaks at 11-12, classified as extreme, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Notably, May, June, and July are the high-risk months, when exposure can lead to serious skin damage in a very short time. In contrast, January and December see lower UV levels (around 3-4) with a moderate burn time of 30 minutes. To protect yourself, especially during the high UV months, always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cottonwood, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cottonwood. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Cottonwood, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Cottonwood UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cottonwood compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Cottonwood's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Cottonwood	4	5	8	10	11	12	12	11	9	7	4	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5