Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Marfa, Texas, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the bright desert sun. With UV levels peaking at 13 around midday, awareness of these numbers can help you prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Given Marfa's arid climate and high exposure to sunlight, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV factors when planning outdoor activities. Prioritizing sun safety not only protects your skin but ensures you can fully enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer.
The UV Index for today reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity throughout the hours. Starting with a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs, hitting 2 by 09:00. However, the real surge occurs around midday: by 12:00, it peaks at a striking 10, and just a short hour later, it reaches a stunning 13 at 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index slowly declines to 6 by 17:00 and drops to 2 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months identified primarily from February to September. During these periods, the UV Index escalates to very high and extreme levels, particularly reaching a peak of 13 from April to August, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Notably, March and October also display very high exposure categories, hinting at the potential for skin damage if precautions are not taken. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours—to minimize the risks associated with high UV levels. In contrast, November and December present lower UV indices, categorized as high and moderate respectively, offering a safer environment for outdoor activities.
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 |
| Marfa | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |