Low
No protection needed
If you're heading out to Phoenix, Arizona, it's just as important to check the UV Index before you leave as it is to check the temperature. Although Phoenix is well known for its sunshine and desert climate, the heat you actually feel doesn't always give a accurate picture of how strong the sun's ultraviolet radiation is.
The Phoenix UV Index indicates the intensity of UV radiation at a particular time of the day; the higher the figure, the greater the risk to unprotected skin from the sun. Throughout the day the UV level varies, growing stronger after sunrise, reaching its maximum about midday and then slowly decreasing in the afternoon.
Phoenix may come under very strong UV conditions, especially in the spring and summer. It is common to have clear skies and long stretches of sunshine, and the combination of the sun being high in the sky together with the relatively dry desert climate can result in intense outdoor exposure. Even if you're used to the heat, it's important to remember that UV radiation and air temperature are two separate things.
It is sometimes hard to assess the level of UV radiation because, even though the morning may be cool and feel comfortable, particularly in winter, the UV Index in Phoenix can still become quite high as the sun rises. Likewise, the presence of a few clouds doesn't mean that the level of UV radiation is low. For a more accurate idea of what to expect, you should look at the actual forecast.
Strong UV levels usually take place around solar noon and the hours nearby. Whether or not you're going on a hike, playing golf, having a bike ride, doing an outdoor workout, or going on a sightseeing trip, you should bear this in mind. A brief excursion can quite easily turn into several hours spent outdoors, especially if you're visiting places like Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, or the broader Phoenix desert area.
The UV Index for Phoenix hour by hour can be very helpful when making arrangements for the day. Instead of just considering the maximum UV level for the day, you can observe how the conditions vary from the morning to the afternoon. If your timetable permits it, you can select earlier or later hours in order to avoid the time when the sunlight is at its strongest.
The ultraviolet conditions in Phoenix also vary a great deal according to the season. In spring the UV levels can rise quickly, whereas in summer the sun is generally at its strongest. During fall the values tend to decrease and in winter the UV conditions are usually milder. Yet Phoenix stays a sunny place for a large part of the year, so people are exposed to UV radiation not just during the hottest months.
When the UV Index is high, it is helpful to follow some simple sun-safety measures. You should look for shade whenever you can, wear sunglasses and protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed skin. It is also important to stay hydrated in Phoenix's hot climate, especially when taking part in longer outdoor activities.
Before you go outside, take a moment to check the Phoenix UV Index today. Whatever you're doing, whether it's hiking, exploring downtown, playing sports, working outdoors or just enjoying the desert sunshine, knowing the UV conditions will help you plan your time spent outside more comfortably.
Look at the current Phoenix UV Index and the hourly UV forecast to find out when the UV levels are expected to be at their strongest today.