Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of North La Junta, United States, where the high desert climate elevates sun exposure and potential skin health risks. With UV levels peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 12—it's essential to be proactive about sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. In this region, where sunny days are the norm, awareness of UV levels can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful ultraviolet rays. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks around 12:00, with a high of 12, which indicates very high levels of UV radiation. Hereafter, the index gently declines, tapering off to 9 by 15:00, before easing down to 4 by 17:00. As the evening unfolds, the UV risk diminishes, dropping to 2 by 18:00 and finally returning to 1 at 19:00. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of being mindful of sun exposure, especially during the midday hours when UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, significantly impacting sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, UV levels remain moderate, making burn times approximately 30 minutes. However, as spring arrives in March and peaks in April, the UV Index surges to very high levels of 8 and 10, respectively, reducing burn times to just 15 minutes. The summer months of May through August present the highest risk, with extreme UV Index readings of 11 to 12 and burn times dropping to 10 minutes. In September, the risk diminishes slightly but remains very high, while by October, it further decreases to a high index of 7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter approaches, November and December return to moderate UV levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months of March to September, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| North La Junta | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |