Last updated: July 2, 2025
In West Wenatchee, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburns during sunny days. This picturesque region, characterized by its Csb climate, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, but it also poses significant UV exposure risks, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the UV Index peaks at 10. Being aware of these levels enables residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures, such as applying sunscreen and seeking shade, ensuring that their time outdoors remains both enjoyable and safe. Stay informed, and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays!
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index starts off mild with a maximum of 1 to 2, making it a safe time for early outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels rise sharply, reaching 4 by 09:00 and hitting 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 13:00 with a significant 10, indicating high exposure risk, perfect for applying sunscreen and seeking shade. As we move into the afternoon, levels gradually decrease, tapering to 9 by 14:00 and falling back to a more manageable 4 by 17:00. By evening, UV levels drop to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking a safe return for those looking to enjoy twilight outdoors. Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West 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 |