Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index at Nellis Air Force Base is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a desert climate in this BWk zone, UV levels can soar, peaking at a life-threatening 12 during midday hours. Knowledge of these levels is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the daily fluctuations from a moderate 1 in the early morning to a staggering 13 around 1 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can better safeguard yourself and enjoy the sunny outdoors while minimizing your risks.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |