Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Harlingen, United States, where the climate can amplify the risks associated with sun exposure. With UV levels reaching their peak at noon, often climbing as high as 12, awareness becomes key in preventing painful sunburns and protecting skin health. In this subtropical environment, where sunshine is plentiful, being informed about UV intensity is not just about comfort—it's a vital aspect of maintaining long-term well-being in the face of outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and know when to seek shade to safeguard your skin against harmful rays!
As the sun rises on this beautiful day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually creeping up to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The heat peaks around noon, reaching a sizzling 10 at 12:00 PM, and quickly escalates to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the time to seek shade! However, as the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity tapers off, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then declining to 5 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the index continues to decrease, ending the day at a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 | 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 |