Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Moab, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health, especially in a region known for its intense sun exposure. With its semi-arid climate characteristic of a BSk zone, Moab experiences significant UV radiation, peaking at a staggering UV Index of 12 during midday hours. This makes it essential for locals and visitors alike to stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the outdoor adventures the area has to offer while minimizing the risk of sun damage.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 4 at 09:00 and skyrockets to 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 11:00 with a strong 9, followed by an even more intense 11 at noon. The UV rays continue to surge, hitting a maximum of 12 at 13:00 and again at 14:00. A gradual decline begins in the afternoon, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and further down to 7 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index tapers off, settling at 5 at 17:00, 3 at 18:00, and finally retreating back to a safe 1 by 19:00. Be sure to take precautions during those peak hours when the UV Index reaches its zenith!
| 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months of May to August, where it reaches extremes of 11 to 12. The highest risk occurs in May, June, and July, with burn times as short as 10 minutes under these conditions. March and April also present considerable UV exposure, categorized as very high, with burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from late winter through summer, especially during these high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the season transitions into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, offering more moderate exposure from October to December.
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 |
| Moab | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |