Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sonora, United States, where the BSh climate brings warm to hot temperatures year-round. As UV levels can soar, particularly around midday—with a peak reaching 12 between 1 PM and 2 PM—it’s imperative to be aware of the potential risks, such as sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By tracking the UV Index, you'll be better equipped to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful rays while enjoying the outdoors in this sun-drenched region. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your skin healthy!
At dawn, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 around 7:00 AM and remaining steady until 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, exposure increases, hitting 4 by 10:00 AM. The intensity escalates sharply, reaching a striking 10 at 12:00 PM and peaking at 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the hottest moment of the day. Following this peak, the UV Index gracefully declines, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and further to 3 by 6:00 PM. As evening approaches, it wraps up with a return to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to seek shade during peak hours and protect your skin!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from April to September, where values peak at 12, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. February and March also pose substantial risks with very high levels of 8 and 9, respectively. Notably, the high-risk months for UV exposure are April through September, when the burn time shrinks to as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest. During the cooler months of January, November, and December, the UV index remains moderate to high, but with longer burn times, reminding everyone to stay vigilant about sun safety year-round.
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 |
| Sonora | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |