Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque Four Corners region of the United States, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin's health. With peak UV levels soaring to 10 during midday hours, awareness of sun exposure helps in preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage. The area's Dfb climate offers both beauty and risks, as the combination of high altitude and intense sunlight can significantly elevate UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes while protecting themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, hinting at the day ahead. As we approach mid-morning, the intensity climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM and then dramatically spikes to 5 at 10:00 AM. The real peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the index soars to a whopping 10, indicating strong sun exposure. This midday intensity begins to taper off by 3:00 PM, as it drops to 9, and continues to slide through the late afternoon, ending the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and February have moderate UV levels (3 and 5, respectively), while March sees a rise to high levels (7), marking the beginning of increased sun exposure. The danger escalates quickly in April (UV Index 8) and peaks in May and June (both at UV Index 11), categorized as extreme, necessitating precautions as burn times drop to just 10 minutes. July and August follow closely with very high levels (10), and September remains a high-risk month at 8. As the year progresses, October sees a decrease to high (6), November returns to moderate (4), and December drops to low exposure (2). **Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April through September, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to reduce harm from UV exposure.
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 |
| Four Corners | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |