Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Portales, United States, where the high desert climate (BSk) brings unique exposure risks. With UV levels peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, reaching as high as 12, awareness of these levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. As the sun's rays can be particularly intense in this region, staying informed about daily UV Index measurements empowers you to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, ensuring your adventures in Portales are both safe and enjoyable.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. Things heat up by 09:00, where the index reaches 4, signaling a need for caution. 10:00 brings a sharp surge to 7, followed by a peak of 12 at both 12:00 and 13:00, indicating high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and then gradually decreasing to 9 by 15:00. By 16:00, the value lowers to 6, and as evening approaches, the levels continue to decline, reaching 3 at 17:00 and finally settling back to 2 by 18:00 and 1 by 19:00. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours between 10:00 and 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August, where the Index peaks at 12 during the summer. In these months, the exposure category is classified as extreme, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index starts at a moderate level of 5 in January and decreases to 4 in December. It's crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Awareness of the UV Index can help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Portales | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |