Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of West Wendover, United States, where the high desert climate exposes you to significant sunlight year-round. As UV levels peak during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With maximum UV Index readings soaring to 12 in the afternoon, it's essential to take proper precautions, especially during the warm summer months when the risk of sun overexposure is heightened. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days of West Wendover while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a dynamic fluctuation in sun intensity. Early morning, at 07:00 and 08:00, the index remains low at 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the sun rises, the index climbs to 3 by 09:00, then reaches a moderate level of 5 by 10:00. The real intensity kicks in at 11:00 with a peak of 8, and by 12:00, the UV Index surges to 10, signaling high exposure risk. The afternoon carries the highest readings, with a maximum of 12 at both 13:00 and 14:00, creating a need for sun protection. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 11 at 15:00, and then easing to 8 at 16:00. As the day winds down, the index falls to 6 by 17:00 and continues to decrease through the evening, resting at a gentle 2 by 19:00. Overall, today’s UV Index reveals a typical midsummer day where one must be cautious during the peak hours of sunlight.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant variation, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV levels remain in the moderate range (Index 3-5), allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As spring arrives in March with an increase to a high UV Index of 7 (burn time of 25 minutes), the risk continues to rise sharply through April (Index 9) to May and June, where the index reaches an extreme level of 11-12 and burn times drop to just 10 minutes. July and August maintain these high levels, emphasizing the need for protective measures. As the season shifts to fall, especially in September (Index 9), UV risks remain elevated before decreasing again in October and returning to moderate levels by November and December. With May through August identified as high-risk months, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| West Wendover | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |