Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gallup, New Mexico, where the high desert climate can lead to increased sun exposure and potential skin risks. With UV levels peaking at 12 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. As Gallup enjoys its BSk climate—characterized by warm summers and ample sunshine—educating yourself about UV exposure risks can help protect your skin and ensure safe outdoor activities year-round. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the sunny days ahead!
Starting your day early pays off with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun continues to rise, the intensity spikes significantly, reaching a moderate 4 at 9 AM. By 10 AM, it's time to pay attention, as the UV Index soars to 6. The peak comes at 12 PM, where a high of 11 is reached, indicating a need for sun protection. The afternoon remains intense, with values sticking at 12 from 1 PM to 2 PM, before tapering off to 10 at 3 PM. The evening ushers in relief, with readings dropping to 4 by 5 PM, and winding down to 1 at 7 PM. It’s crucial to stay mindful of the sun's strength during midday hours, ensuring your skin stays protected as you enjoy the great outdoors!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a distinct seasonal pattern, with the highest levels occurring from April to September, when the index consistently reaches extreme levels (11-13) and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, particularly April through July, when precautions are crucial. Visitors and residents should take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful skin exposure. As the year progresses towards October, UV levels decrease, but attention to UV protection remains important until the levels return to moderate in December and January.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Gallup | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |