Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Paso, Texas, where the climate is characterized by hot summers and abundant sunshine. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining your skin’s health, as the city's typically high UV exposure, especially during peak hours, can pose significant risks. With UV Index readings peaking at 10 around midday, it’s vital to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority while enjoying everything El Paso has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its ascent, with a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it begins to climb, reaching 2, signaling a reminder to take care. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, where the index peaks at 6, escalating to a scorching 9 by noon. The hottest moment arrives at 13:00, showcasing a dramatic 10—a level that demands serious sun protection. Although the UV level begins to drop after this peak, it remains notable; at 14:00, it settles at 9, then declines gently, hitting 3 by 17:00. As daylight fades towards the evening, it tapers off to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risk months being from March to September. Notably, April through June witness the peak UV Index values, reaching 11 in June, classified as extreme, where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December show much lower risks, with UV Index levels at 3 and 2, respectively. Residents and visitors should take heed during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday when the sun’s rays are most intense. Overall, staying vigilant about UV levels can help prevent skin damage and maintain 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 |
| El Paso | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 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 |