Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Amarillo as it directly impacts skin health and can help prevent painful sunburns. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), Amarillo experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index reaches a maximum of 12 between noon and 2 PM. By monitoring UV levels, you can determine when to take precautions like applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day shows a dynamic fluctuation in sun intensity. Early morning, at 07:00 and 08:00, the index remains low at 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the sun rises, the index climbs to 3 by 09:00, then reaches a moderate level of 5 by 10:00. The real intensity kicks in at 11:00 with a peak of 8, and by 12:00, the UV Index surges to 10, signaling high exposure risk. The afternoon carries the highest readings, with a maximum of 12 at both 13:00 and 14:00, creating a need for sun protection. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 11 at 15:00, and then easing to 8 at 16:00. As the day winds down, the index falls to 6 by 17:00 and continues to decrease through the evening, resting at a gentle 2 by 19:00. Overall, today’s UV Index reveals a typical midsummer day where one must be cautious during the peak hours of sunlight.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |