Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in American Fork, United States is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels reaching an intense 12 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Nestled in a Dfb climate zone, American Fork experiences significant UV exposure, especially during summer months, making it vital to stay informed about shifting UV readings. By monitoring the UV Index daily, residents can effectively manage their outdoor activities and safeguard against the risks associated with overexposure to the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating journey of sun intensity. Beginning with a gentle rise, the index starts at a mere 1 at 07:00. As the morning unfolds, it climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 09:00. The sun's power peaks dramatically at 12:00, hitting a blistering 11, just before hitting its apex of 12 at 13:00. After this zenith, the intensity begins to wane, descending to 10 by 15:00 and gradually tapering off to 5 by 17:00. The evening sees a return to softer sunlight, with the index dropping back to 1 by 19:00. Be sure to protect yourself during those peak hours when the sun fires up the scale!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, impacting the safety of sun exposure for both residents and visitors. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to August, where the index consistently reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly peaking at 12 in June and July. During these months, the recommended burn time shrinks to just 10 minutes, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures. Conversely, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in January, November, and December, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting exposure during the highest UV hours, particularly from March through August.
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 |
| American Fork | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |