Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kennewick, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and minimize long-term skin damage, especially during the hottest parts of the day when the index reaches levels as high as 9. With Kennewick's semi-arid climate, residents and visitors face unique UV exposure risks throughout the year, making it essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny weather while safeguarding your skin’s health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, slowly warming up for the day ahead. Things heat up significantly by 09:00, hitting 4, and by 10:00, it climbs to a peak of 6. The zenith arrives at 12:00, where the index stands tall at 8, and by 13:00, it reaches a sizzling 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon wears on, the UV intensity begins to wane, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and then to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it cools further to 5, retreating to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief as the UV Index transitions back down to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. This hourly journey highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their fiercest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, impacting the risk of harmful UV exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, April marks the start of higher UV levels, peaking in May through August with a very high category, where burn times dramatically decrease to just 15 minutes. Notably, July is the highest-risk month with a UV Index of 10, necessitating increased sun protection measures. In contrast, September through December sees a gradual decline in UV levels, reverting back to low and moderate categories, enabling longer exposure times once again. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to monitor UV levels during the high-risk months of May through August, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |