Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Yakima, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its Csb climate, Yakima experiences varied UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 8 or 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on UV levels, residents can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin’s health.
The UV Index shows a distinct daily rhythm, peaking at 1 PM with a significant value of 9—a strong indicator for sun exposure. As the day unfolds, early morning starts at a comfortable 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. By 10 AM, it reaches 5, and just before noon, it surges to 8. The afternoon sees a slight dip from 9 at 1 PM to 7 by 3 PM, before slowly descending back to 1 by 7 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during those peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM. Remember to stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, influencing the risk of sun exposure for both residents and visitors. January and December have a low UV Index of 2, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress, February and March see a rise to a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, resulting in 30 minutes of burn time. April marks the transition to a high category with a UV Index of 7, leading to a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak UV months are May, June, and July, where the Index reaches 9 and 10, indicating a very high risk and a burn time of only 15 minutes. While August sees a slight decrease to 9, the risk remains significant. September returns to high at 7, with 25 minutes of burn time, before tapering off to moderate levels in October and November. Visitors are strongly advised to take precautions from April to August, wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 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 |