Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Yuma, United States, where the sun shines bright and strong. With UV levels frequently soaring to 11 or even 12 during peak hours, awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Yuma's BSk climate—characterized by hot summers and mild winters—means that exposure to harmful UV rays is a constant concern, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV forecasts. By checking the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely and minimize the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a dynamic trend, starting from a modest 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 and hitting a notable 5 at 09:00. The peak intensity occurs during midday, where it spikes to a staggering 12 around 13:00, signaling a critical time for sun exposure precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, further easing to 6 by 16:00. By 17:00, it settles back to 3, and as evening approaches, it recedes to a gentle 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours of sunlight, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | 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 | 3 | 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 high-risk months occurring primarily from March to September. During this period, particularly in April and May with an index of 10, and peaking in June at 12, the risk of sunburn increases substantially, necessitating caution. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during June and July, where exposure categories reach extreme levels, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. It's advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. As the months transition into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, but awareness remains important, especially in months like October, where the index is still notable at 6. Always check the UV Index before outdoor activities, and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your skin health year-round.
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 |
| Yuma | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |