Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Twin Falls, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure, particularly during the peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when the index reaches its highest values of 10 to 11. With Twin Falls' BSk climate, characterized by sunny summers and clear skies, the risk of harmful UV radiation can be significant. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Idaho outdoors while effectively protecting yourself from the sun's damaging effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 09:00, it rises to 3, signaling increasing sunlight. The real surge hits at 10:00 with a 5, reaching 8 by 11:00—a clear indication that sun protection is becoming necessary. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00, reaching a scorching 10, and continues to soar to an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip slightly to 10 by 15:00, and further declines to 8 by 16:00. Finally, as the day unwinds, the UV levels decrease to 5 at 17:00, then settle at 3 and 2 by 18:00 and 19:00, respectively. Stay sun-smart during those peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting the risk of UV exposure throughout the year. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, from February to March, the UV levels rise significantly, peaking at 11 during the summer months of June and July, categorized as extreme, with the shortest burn time of only 10 minutes in peak months like June. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. It is advisable for visitors and residents to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, especially from late spring to mid-summer. As fall approaches, the risk decreases, with the UV Index dropping back to moderate levels by November.
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 |
| Twin Falls | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 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 |