Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Harlingen, Texas, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a humid subtropical climate, Harlingen experiences high UV levels, often peaking at 12 during midday hours, which can significantly increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV index readings, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and overall health. Awareness of these levels not only helps in preventing immediate discomfort from sunburn but also plays a vital role in reducing the risk of serious skin conditions in the future. Be proactive in your sun safety to enjoy the beautiful Texas sunshine responsibly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. The most critical months are April through August, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 11-12 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present lower risk with a high UV Index of 6-7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours. Always stay informed and prioritize skin safety to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Harlingen | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |