Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Omak, Washington, where local climate and environmental factors can significantly impact UV exposure. With peak levels reaching 9 during midday, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As a part of the Dsb climate zone, Omak experiences distinct seasonal variations, making it important for locals to recognize when UV rays can be most harmful. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from unnecessary damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, indicating it's time to take protective measures. The afternoon brings peak intensity, with the UV Index soaring to a striking 9 at noon, where it remains steady until 14:00. This strong level of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during these hours. As the day progresses, the index begins to dip, settling at 5 by 16:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00, making the early evening hours much safer for outdoor activities. Be vigilant and protect your skin during peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the most intense exposure occurring during the summer months. January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), indicating a burn time of 45 minutes, thereby posing minimal risk. As the year progresses, both February and March bring moderate levels (Index 4-5), with shorter burn times of 30 minutes. April marks the transition to high exposure (Index 6), and this escalates notably in May and June, reaching very high levels (Index 8-9) with a burn time of just 15 minutes—indicative of high risk. July and August maintain this peak, before September signals a slight decrease to high exposure (Index 7) and a burn time of 25 minutes. Moving into autumn, October and November revert to moderate levels (Index 3-5), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while January returns to the safety of low UV exposure. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of May through August, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omak | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 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 |