Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Fort Bliss, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 during midday, residents and visitors alike must be aware of their sun exposure to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Given the region's arid BWk climate, where sunny days are frequent, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely. Stay informed and protect yourself as you embrace the vibrant sunshine of Fort Bliss!
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a dramatic rise, peaking at 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Early morning starts off gently, with a maximum of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases rapidly, hitting 9 at 11 AM and soaring to its zenith of 12 at noon. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering to 10 by 3 PM, and further dwindling to 4 by 5 PM, ultimately calming to 1 as evening approaches. This hourly ebb and flow underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the midday hours when the UV exposure can be intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. During these months, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in May and June. In these high-risk months, burn time decreases dramatically to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. February and March also present very high UV levels (8 and 10, respectively), with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the lowest UV exposure can be found in January, November, and December, with moderate to high levels that provide burn times of up to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors should ensure they wear appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from April to September, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Fort Bliss | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |