How Awnings Provide UV Protection During Arizona’s Sunniest Months

Phoenix is known for its unrelenting sunniness. Many people consider the nearly 300 days of unobstructed skies each year a good thing – and during parts of the year it is. The sun in the Arizona sky is no worse than the sun anywhere else, right?

Not exactly. Phoenix’s elevation, geography, latitude and climate play roles in the intensity of UV radiation. Some reflective surfaces can also exacerbate UV intensity in specific places.

The UV Index and What It Means

The UV Index is a relatively recent invention. The modern iteration of the scale was developed by the EPA and the National Weather Service in 1994 as a warning system for citizens. Its intended to be included on various weather forecasts so people can understand the level of risk they face from UV radiation on a particular day.

Midday Phoenix in the summer has an average UV Index Value of 10 (very high). There are only a couple of cities with more severe UV Index values than ours. We’re essentially tied with Miami, Florida for much of the summer. Honolulu beats us out with an 11 to 12 average UV Index value.

You can find the Phoenix UV Index forecast on a variety of weather reporting websites. When you check you might notice that the most high-risk times tend to be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is highest in the sky.

Even at a UV Index of just six or seven people can begin to experience sun burn in as little as 15 to 25 minutes. At a UV Index of eight to 10 people may begin to burn in as little as 15 minutes of direct UV exposure. The rate at which people start to burn depends on their skin type, but even individuals with darker shades of skin are still at risk for sun damage in Arizona.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

Studies and experts consistently suggest that excessive UV radiation poses significant risks to the skin health of people. Melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma of the eye are all potential dangers posed by excessive sun exposure.

Extended UV exposure can also lead to premature aging and the appearance of:

• Wrinkles
• Leathery skin
• Liver spots
• Actinic keratosis
• Solar elastosis

UV radiation can also potentially contribute to a variety of eye problems. The cornea is susceptible to becoming inflamed or even burned (similar to a sunburn) due to excessive sun radiation. UV rays may also contribute to the formation of cataracts.

There are also concerns that excessive UV exposure can weaken the immune system, which can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Some experts have voiced concerns that UV radiation may even lessen the effectiveness of vaccines or trigger herpes reactivation.

Is It Dangerous to Be Outside?

Not necessarily – you can drastically limit your dangerous UV radiation exposure by staying in the shade while you’re outdoors. Other protective measures like long sleaved clothing and jeans, as well as hats and sunglasses, can also help minimize your skin’s direct UV exposure. It’s also always advisable to wear sunscreen on any part of your body that might receive direct sun exposure.

The most effective method of avoiding the potentially dangerous effects of excessive UV exposure is shade. Arizona Awnings installs a variety of shade solutions for home and business owners in the Phoenix area.

The best shade solution for your home or business depends largely on the areas you need shaded. Schools or homes with play equipment should strongly consider various shade sail solutions that can stand independently away from your house or buildings. These shade structures can even be built over pools, making swimming during the day far safer for your family.

Parents should be concerned about the dangers of sun exposure for their children in Phoenix, but the shade solutions developed by Arizona Awnings can make playing outside far safer.

Sitting on your patio can potentially result in dangerous amounts of UV exposure. Retractable awnings and patio awnings are a great way to not only drop the temperature in those outdoor areas but also protect loungers from the dangers of UV rays.

Shade can also prevent your outdoor furniture from fading, as well as indoor furniture, art or carpet that might be exposed to direct sunlight during the day.



Sun-damaged skin, faded furniture and uncomfortably hot afternoons aren’t foregone conclusions when you have the right shade solution. Contact Arizona Awnings at 602-252-3430 to schedule your free, no-obligation awning, shade structure or shade sail estimate.