Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Monahans, Texas, where the BWh climate brings ample sunshine and potential exposure risks. Understanding UV levels is critical for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, as high UV readings can lead to severe damage, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 12. With sunlight intensity reaching its zenith from 11 AM to 3 PM, being aware of these levels can help you take necessary precautions and enjoy the outdoor activities that Monahans has to offer, while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities. However, as the day progresses, the intensity of the sun quickly ramps up. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 4, and by 11:00 AM, it surges to 7. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a striking 10, signaling the need for sun protection. The UV exposure continues to escalate, hitting a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Thankfully, it gradually begins to decline after this peak, dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM and further to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of taking precautions during the midday hours when UV levels pose the greatest risk.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal variation in UV exposure is significant, with high-risk months occurring from February to September, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly peaking at 12 from May through August. During these months, the time it takes for unprotected skin to burn decreases to as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, the less risky months of January, November, and December feature moderate to high UV levels, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 30 minutes. For both residents and visitors, it is crucial to take preventive measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in the summer months, 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 |
| Monahans | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |