Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where the climate leans towards a semi-arid BSk zone, resulting in strong sunlight exposure for much of the year. Awareness of UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, significantly reducing the risk of painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues. With midday UV Index values soaring up to 12, the sun's intensity can be particularly threatening during peak hours, emphasizing the importance of protective measures to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful Rio Rancho outdoors.
Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 6 | 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, peaking during late spring and summer months. January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while February reaches a high index of 7 with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As March arrives, the index escalates to 9, classified as very high, with a notably reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The situation becomes critical from April to September, where the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 11 to 13, and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. October marks a slight reduction in risk with a UV Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. Finally, November and December revert to moderate levels, with indices of 5 and 4, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months—particularly from March through October—by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak midday hours.
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 |
| Rio Rancho | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |