Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sparks, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. This simple yet essential measure helps residents gauge the intensity of ultraviolet radiation during the day, guiding them in sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. With Sparks' BWk climate characterized by sunny conditions, UV levels can soar, especially from midday to early afternoon when they peak at a striking 12 to 13. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a dramatic rise, peaking at 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Early morning starts off gently, with a maximum of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases rapidly, hitting 9 at 11 AM and soaring to its zenith of 12 at noon. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering to 10 by 3 PM, and further dwindling to 4 by 5 PM, ultimately calming to 1 as evening approaches. This hourly ebb and flow underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the midday hours when the UV exposure can be intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. During these months, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in May and June. In these high-risk months, burn time decreases dramatically to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. February and March also present very high UV levels (8 and 10, respectively), with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the lowest UV exposure can be found in January, November, and December, with moderate to high levels that provide burn times of up to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors should ensure they wear appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from April to September, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Sparks | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |