Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pahrump, United States, where the desert climate brings abundant sunshine and heightened UV exposure risks. Awareness of daily UV levels can play a significant role in protecting against sunburn and safeguarding overall skin health. With peak UV readings reaching intense levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, it’s essential to be informed and prepared when enjoying the outdoors. By knowing when the UV Index climbs, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunny Pahrump climate safely!
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the day progresses, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM, and 5 by 9:00 AM, indicating a need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 12, marking the highest risk period between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where applying sunscreen is crucial to avoid harm. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, as the index drops to 11 by 2:00 PM and slides to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index continues to lessen, landing at 3 by 5:00 PM and settling back to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay sun-safe during the midday hours when the UV levels are at their peak!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes that greatly influence the risk of over-exposure. High-risk months are predominantly from March to August, peaking in May and June with an extreme UV Index of 11 and 12, respectively, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the exposure category shifts from very high to extreme, indicating that visitors and residents should exercise caution during outdoor activities, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM when UV radiation is most intense. In contrast, months like January, February, November, and December present a lower risk, categorized as moderate, with longer burn times of 30 minutes. It's crucial for everyone to remain vigilant, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, especially during the high-risk summer months.
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 |
| Pahrump | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |