Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pine Ridge, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during peak hours. With a Cfa climate that features warm summers and frequent sunny days, Pine Ridge poses unique exposure risks that can lead to serious skin issues if not addressed. By keeping an eye on the UV Index throughout the day—where values can soar to 11 during midday—you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself and your loved ones from UV harm.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. From February to August, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, with the highest readings occurring in April, May, and June (UV Index 11-12). During these months, the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes, indicating a heightened risk of skin damage. February, March, and September also present high risks (UV Index 8-10), where exposure times require caution. In contrast, winter months like January and December see much lower UV levels (UV Index 5), where the exposure risk is moderate, and burn times can extend to 30 minutes. To minimize sun exposure risks, it is advisable for everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak UV hours, particularly from late morning to mid-afternoon.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Pine Ridge | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |