Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Cottonwood, United States, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed choices about sun protection, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate, Cottonwood experiences a range of UV exposures, peaking around midday with levels reaching up to 10. Stay vigilant and informed about the UV Index, especially in the late morning and early afternoon, to enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your health!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual rise in intensity, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM at an impressive 10, indicating a heightened need for sun protection. The morning starts off mild, with readings of 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates sharply to 7 by 10:00 AM, reaching its maximum of 8 at 11:00 AM. After noon, the index remains high but begins to decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM, before settling to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the values gently retreat to 3 at 5:00 PM, 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally back to 1 at 7:00 PM, illustrating the arc of the sun's strength throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the year progresses, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes that affect sun exposure risk. January and February present a moderate risk with a UV Index of 3 and 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. This risk escalates in March to a high category with a UV Index of 6 and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April through August, with the very high category dominating—peaking at a UV Index of 10 in June and July, where the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. Though the risk declines in September with a UV Index of 8, it still requires caution. As the year closes out, the UV Index decreases to 5 in October and 4 in November, returning to a low risk of 2 by December, allowing for a safer 45-minute exposure time. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution and protect themselves during the high-risk months from April to September through adequate sunscreen, clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |