Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque town of Alpine, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Alpine's BSk climate, characterized by warm summers and high elevation, the sun's rays can be particularly intense. During peak hours, UV Index levels can soar to 13, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the sun's powerful effects.
The UV Index dramatically rises as the day progresses, beginning at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and lingering around 1 until 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates to 7 by 11:00 AM and reaches its peak at an impressive 13 by 2:00 PM. This intense exposure culminates with a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, signaling a crucial time for sun safety precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, settling back to a more manageable level of 3 by 6:00 PM and returning to 1 as night falls at 7:00 PM. Be mindful of the burn potential during those midday hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when UV rays are at their most powerful!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring between February and September. During this period, the UV Index peaks in April, May, June, and July at a striking 13, categorized as extreme, which means a burn can occur in as little as 10 minutes. The high-risk months include March through September, where values remain consistently high to extreme, necessitating extra caution. Residents and visitors are advised to take preventative measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV-related harm. The UV Index tapers off in November and returns to moderate levels in December and January, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Always stay informed and protect your skin, particularly during the high-UV months!
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 |
| Alpine | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |