Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Albuquerque, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a city with a high desert climate like Albuquerque, where the sun can be particularly intense. With UV Index values often peaking at 12 during midday, it's essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations and take proactive measures to safeguard against harmful exposure. Whether you're hiking the Sandia Mountains or enjoying a stroll downtown, knowing the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index today presents a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually escalates to a moderate 4 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00, peaking at 12 from 12:00 to 14:00—making it crucial to take sun safety precautions during this window. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and then retreating back to 4 by 17:00. The evening sees a gentle fade to a light 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at a low 1 by 19:00. Enjoy the sun but remember, protection is key when the UV Index peaks!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | 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 exposure varies significantly, peaking during late spring and summer months. January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while February reaches a high index of 7 with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As March arrives, the index escalates to 9, classified as very high, with a notably reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The situation becomes critical from April to September, where the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 11 to 13, and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. October marks a slight reduction in risk with a UV Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. Finally, November and December revert to moderate levels, with indices of 5 and 4, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months—particularly from March through October—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak midday hours.
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 |
| Albuquerque | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |