Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Alturas, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and mitigate long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays are most intense. With a Cfa climate, Alturas experiences significant UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the index can soar to 12. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding their skin against harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity. Starting the morning at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the sun gains strength as the day advances. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, and the real heat kicks in at 12:00, peaking at an impressive 10. The intensity escalates further, hitting a maximum of 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases to 7 by 16:00, before tapering off to 4 at 17:00, and finally returning to a mild 1 by 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV Index soars!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 do UV levels, significantly impacting skin safety for both visitors and residents. From January to March, the UV Index rises from 6 to 10, indicating high to very high exposure risk, with burn times decreasing from 25 minutes to just 15 minutes. April through August marks the peak months for UV intensity, consistently at 12, categorized as extreme, where even short exposures of 10 minutes can lead to sunburn. In September, UV levels remain high at 11 before tapering off through October with a 9, and finally decreasing to 5 in December, classified as moderate. For optimal sun safety, it is crucial for individuals to plan outdoor activities accordingly, particularly during the spring and summer months, ensuring protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade are utilized.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Alturas | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |