Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dolores, United States, where the climate can expose you to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. The semi-arid climate here often means clear skies, which can lead to heightened risk for sun damage, making it vital to monitor UV levels and take protective measures whenever you're outdoors. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying all that Dolores has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) steadily climbs, beginning with a safe level of 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling a stronger need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UVI hits an alarming 12, illustrating the importance of taking precautions during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, values start to recede, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and further declining to 2 by 18:00. Wrap up your outdoor activities as the sun dips below the horizon, as the UVI falls back to 1 by 19:00. Always remember to stay safe under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV index, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure before burning begins. However, from February onwards, levels rise, peaking in the summer months: March and April see extremely high ratings of 10 and 11, respectively, with burn times dropping to just 15 and 10 minutes. The peak risk occurs from June to September, where the UV Index remains at an extreme 12 to 13, demanding diligent sun protection strategies due to rapid burn times of only 10 minutes. As fall approaches in October and November, UV levels decrease to 7 and 6, but still warrant caution with burn times of 25 minutes. Finally, December returns to moderate levels with a 4 allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure again. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant against UV exposure, particularly during the high-risk months of February through September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade 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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Dolores | 4 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |