Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Wenatchee, United States is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it plays a vital role in sun safety and skin health. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the strength of solar UV radiation, helping you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. Wenatchee's Csb climate, characterized by warm summers and plenty of sunshine, presents unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, being aware of these fluctuations will empower you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 5, signaling an increase in UV exposure. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM, hitting a robust 8, where caution is advised, especially for outdoor activities. The intensity remains high at 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, encouraging sun protection measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 6 at 3:00 PM, then further to 3 by 5:00 PM. Finally, as the day winds down, the UV Index settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, reflecting a much safer environment for evening activities. Enjoy the sun, but remember to protect your skin during those 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 |
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 |