Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Grants, United States, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 around midday, awareness of the UV Index is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The BSk climate zone can often present risks of overexposure, making it vital for locals to stay informed about daily UV levels. By knowing when the sun's rays are strongest, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a dramatic rise, peaking at 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Early morning starts off gently, with a maximum of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases rapidly, hitting 9 at 11 AM and soaring to its zenith of 12 at noon. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering to 10 by 3 PM, and further dwindling to 4 by 5 PM, ultimately calming to 1 as evening approaches. This hourly ebb and flow underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the midday hours when the UV exposure can be intense.
| 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 | 13 | 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, with the highest risk months being April through September when the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. This period sees a dramatic drop in safe burn time to just 10 minutes, indicating strong precaution is necessary. In contrast, January and December represent the lowest risk months with a moderate exposure category and longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months: applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize harmful UV exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days or during cooler months, UV rays can still pose a risk, so it's essential to stay informed and protected year-round.
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 |
| Grants | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |