Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sun Valley, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for promoting long-term skin health. With its captivating Csb climate, Sun Valley experiences elevated UV exposure, especially during midday when the index can soar to a striking 12. Equip yourself with knowledge of these UV levels to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while staying protected!
The UV Index demonstrates a striking rise as the day unfolds, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a blistering 12. Early risers enjoy relatively low levels, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, UV levels spike dramatically, hitting 10 at 11:00 AM and reaching peak intensity at 12:00 PM. The afternoon offers a gradual decline, with values waning to 9 by 3:00 PM and easing further to 4 at 5:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the index drops to a gentle 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally retreats to a soothing 1 by 7:00 PM, showcasing the importance of midday sun safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, impacting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, where burn time is generally 30 minutes, while February sees an increase to 6, classified as high, shortening burn time to 25 minutes. The high-risk months span from March to August, peaking in May and June with an extreme UV Index of 11-12, where burn time dramatically decreases to just 10 minutes. In September, the UV Index drops to 10, still considered very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses into October, it falls to 7 (high), and finally stabilizes in November and December at indices of 4 and 3, respectively (moderate), allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during high-risk months when UV exposure is at its peak.
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 |
| Sun Valley | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |