Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Wenatchee, Washington, where sunny days are abundant and the potential for skin damage is ever-present. Awareness of UV levels helps individuals effectively prevent sunburn and protect overall skin health, particularly during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches its zenith at 9. With Wenatchee's Csb climate, which is characterized by warm summers and clear skies, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. Take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and embrace the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent. At 07:00, it starts at a mild 1, but by 08:00, it doubles to 2, signaling a gentle increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 with a striking 9, just moments before it maintains its high at 13:00 and 14:00. This is the time when sunscreen is a must! By 15:00, a slight decline to 7 occurs, followed by a steady drop, reaching 5 at 16:00 and tapering off to 2 by 18:00. Finally, as the day winds down, the index falls back to a safe 1 by 19:00. Whether you're enjoying a midday picnic or taking a sunset stroll, be aware of the UV levels throughout the day for a safe and enjoyable experience!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the year progresses, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 2 (low) to 4 (moderate), marking the beginning of increased exposure. The spring months of March and April see another jump to 6 and 7 (both high), respectively. The summer months of May through August are particularly concerning, with UV Index values reaching a peak of 10 in July, categorized as very high and resulting in very short burn times of just 15 minutes. As the year wanes, the index decreases, with September and October experiencing high to moderate levels (7 and 5), before returning to a low of 2 by December. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of May through August, limiting sun exposure and employing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to safeguard against skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 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 |