Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the Four Corners region of the United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With maximum UV levels peaking at a striking 9 during midday, understanding these levels can significantly reduce your risk of skin damage. The Csb climate of this area, characterized by mild summers and abundant sunshine, can easily lead to overexposure if precautions aren't taken. By staying informed about UV risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the day dawns, the UV Index slowly rises from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, urging early risers to tread carefully under the sun. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 5, hinting at the need for sunscreen. The peak intensity hits at 12:00 PM, with a striking 9 that lasts until 2:00 PM—a clear signal for everyone to seek shade and protect their skin. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline sees the index fall back to 7 by 3:00 PM, and down to 3 by the evening. The sun’s formidable grip weakens, allowing for a more comfortable experience as it sets, leaving a 2 at 6:00 PM and winding down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Throughout the day, awareness of UV levels can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, influencing the risk of sun exposure for both residents and visitors. January and December have a low UV Index of 2, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress, February and March see a rise to a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, resulting in 30 minutes of burn time. April marks the transition to a high category with a UV Index of 7, leading to a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak UV months are May, June, and July, where the Index reaches 9 and 10, indicating a very high risk and a burn time of only 15 minutes. While August sees a slight decrease to 9, the risk remains significant. September returns to high at 7, with 25 minutes of burn time, before tapering off to moderate levels in October and November. Visitors are strongly advised to take precautions from April to August, wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Corners | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |