Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Las Vegas, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from damaging sun exposure. With the desert climate of Las Vegas, which boasts intense sunlight and high UV levels, understanding these numbers can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote better skin health. The UV Index often peaks at a staggering 12 around noon—one of the highest levels—indicating that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Being equipped with this knowledge allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences under the Nevada sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index (UVI) experiences a notable ascent, peaking at 13 around 1:00 PM—a time that signals the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting the day with a low 1 at 7:00 AM, the UVI climbs steadily, reaching 12 by noon. The intensity wanes post-peak, dropping back to 6 by 4:00 PM, and further decreasing to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. Those planning outdoor activities should take heed of the peak hours between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the index hits critical levels, urging the use of sunscreen, hats, and shade to stay safe.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, UV exposure rises moderately, but by March and April, it escalates to very high levels, indicating increasing risk. The high-risk months are clearly May, June, July, and August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, becoming moderate by November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the harmful effects of intense UV radiation.
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 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |