Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Amarillo, Texas, where the semi-arid climate and high sun exposure can lead to significant health risks. With UV levels frequently peaking at 12 during the hottest parts of the day, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. As you plan your outdoor activities, stay informed about the UV Index to safeguard yourself against harmful radiation. Amarillo’s sunny disposition may be inviting, but knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin.
The UV Index is a crucial indicator of sun exposure throughout the day, and today’s data reveals a dynamic trend. Starting early, the index remains low at 1 until 09:00. However, it swiftly climbs, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 and peaking at an intense 12 between 14:00 and 15:00—a clear signal to take precautions against UV radiation. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines, settling back to a more manageable 3 by 18:00 and eventually dropping to 2 by 19:00. Always stay informed and protect your skin, especially during those 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |