Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Grants, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the long-term risks of skin cancer, making it an essential part of your daily routine. With its BSk climate, Grants experiences notable UV exposure throughout the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the Index peaks at a blistering 12. Being aware of these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from adverse effects.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern as the sun ascends. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, marking the arrival of noticeable sunlight. The real intensity hits its peak at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 11—a cautionary moment for those outdoors. As we move through the afternoon, the index remains elevated, reaching 12 at 13:00 before gradually descending, settling back to 7 by 16:00. The evening sees a return to safer levels with 2 at 18:00 and finally back to 1 as the day wanes at 19:00. This dynamic shift underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |