Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Bonners Ferry, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays increasing during the brightest parts of the day, being aware of UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Dfb climate zone, Bonners Ferry often experiences varying UV exposure risks, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the index peaks. By staying informed about local UV Index forecasts, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Idaho sunshine while effectively protecting their skin.
The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the hours. It starts off gently at 1 at 07:00, but as the morning progresses, it climbs swiftly to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 4 at 09:00. The sun intensifies its rays further, peaking at a robust 9 between 12:00 and 13:00—a reminder to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually descends, dipping to 6 at 15:00, and mellowing down to 1 by 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade or applying sunscreen during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index presents notable seasonal variations that are crucial for both visitors and residents. During the winter months of January and December, the UV Index is at its lowest (2), indicating a low exposure risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March see a moderate increase with UV Index values of 3 and 5, respectively, where caution is advised, particularly with a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk peaks in the summer, especially from May to August, when the UV Index reaches 9, categorized as very high, necessitating minimized sun exposure with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and September follow closely with high (7) and moderate (4) levels, respectively. As winter arrives again, UV levels decrease back to their safer ranges. It is essential for everyone to take proper sun safety measures, particularly during the high-risk months of May through August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonners Ferry | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 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 |