Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Las Vegas, United States, where the sun shines brightly in its arid, desert climate. Being aware of UV levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for maintaining healthy skin. With UV indices regularly reaching 12 during peak hours, it’s important to know the risks associated with high exposure. Whether you're lounging by the pool or exploring the Strip, staying informed about UV levels can significantly reduce the chances of harmful effects from the sun.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index undergoes a dramatic shift throughout the day. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it quickly gains momentum, reaching 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it hits 4, but the real surge begins as we approach midday; at 10:00, it spikes to 7, culminating in a peak of 12 from 12:00 to 14:00. This high level of UV radiation calls for caution, especially for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 10 at 15:00, before winding down to 4 by 17:00, and finally retreating to 1 by 19:00 as the day comes to a close. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from March through September. During this period, particularly in April, May, June, and July, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, resulting in very short burn times of just 10 minutes. February and October see high to very high levels of UV exposure, necessitating caution with burn times of 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The months of November, December, and January exhibit moderate UV levels, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during high-risk months (March to September) by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate 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 |
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 |
Las Vegas | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 |