Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nellis Air Force Base, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With a climate classified as BWk, Nellis experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when levels can soar to as high as 12. By staying informed about daily UV levels, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience under the Nevada sun.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, painting a vivid picture of solar intensity. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the sun steadily rises, and by 08:00, it reaches a moderate 3. The real heat kicks in around 09:00, hitting 5, and by 10:00, it surges to 8, signaling a call to protect your skin. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, where it climbs to a striking 12, highlighting the need for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to decline, dropping to 11 by 14:00, then tapering off to 8 at 15:00, before easing back to 5 at 16:00. As the day dims, the UV Index falls to 3 by 17:00 and settles back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Stay sun-smart during these peak hours to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Nellis Air Force Base | 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 |