Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Amarillo, Texas, where the unique BSk climate brings intense sunshine and varying UV levels throughout the day. With peak indices reaching as high as 11 during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health. Amarillo's arid conditions contribute to higher UV radiation levels, making it vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions against the sun’s harmful effects. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while preserving your skin's well-being.
The UV Index journey throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. Starting off the day, the index is at a gentle 1 by 07:00, gradually rising to 2 by 09:00. However, the real action begins at 10:00, where it leaps to 5, reaching a peak of 11 between 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its most intense! As the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and further declining to 3 by 18:00. Finally, the day closes with a soothing 1 at 19:00, inviting everyone to bask in the warmth of a setting sun, but reminding us to stay sun-safe during the peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During these peak months, especially in June and July, the UV Index reaches a critical level of 12, categorized as extreme, where the skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Accordingly, March and September also present substantial risk with UV Index scores of 8 and 10, respectively, classified as very high. February hits a high at 6, prompting caution as early as this month. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant from March through October, employing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense. In contrast, the winter months, such as January and December, show a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes without immediate risk of burns.
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 |
| Amarillo | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |