Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Helotes, Texas, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfa climate characterized by hot and humid summers, residents and visitors alike need to understand the potential dangers of UV exposure, which can easily escalate during peak sunlight hours. From 10 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index in Helotes often soars to dangerous levels, with a maximum reading of 12 at noon, highlighting the importance of protective measures like sunscreen and clothing. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the sunshine safely and protect your skin from long-term damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low, reaching a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling that sun protection is becoming increasingly important. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks at 12 around 1:00 PM, making it critical to seek shade or wear protective clothing. The afternoon sees a slight decrease, stabilizing between 10 and 8 until 4:00 PM, before tapering off to 3 by 6:00 PM and returning to a safe 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of remaining sun-smart, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 11 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, while February and March jump to 8 and 9, respectively, indicating very high exposure risks with short burn times of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, but October remains notably high at 9, followed by November with a high category of 7. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months of April through September and remain vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Helotes | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |