Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of West Wendover, where the high desert climate poses unique sun exposure challenges. With peak UV levels reaching up to 12 during midday—significantly increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage—it's essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. By comprehending these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin health and enjoy the great outdoors safely. Whether basking in the sun or exploring the striking landscapes, knowing how UV exposure translates to your activities will keep you safe under the bright Western skies.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling increased sun strength. The real surge begins as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, reaching a peak of 6, and by 11:00 AM, it climbs to 8. The 12:00 PM sun bears down with a maximum of 11, followed closely by an intense 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the day's zenith of UV exposure. As afternoon fades, the numbers begin to decline, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then gently tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally winding down to 2 by 7:00 PM. Throughout the day, it's crucial to stay protected as the UV intensity fluctuates dramatically, especially during midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |