Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Idaho Falls, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure risks. This knowledge is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during peak UV hours when the index can reach levels as high as 11 between noon and 2 PM. With the city’s Dfb climate characterized by its lush summers, awareness of UV levels enables you to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from ultraviolet radiation. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of Idaho Falls’ sunny days!
The UV Index sharply rises throughout the morning, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing gradually to 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the intensity escalates dramatically, hitting a striking 10 at noon. By 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the index reaches its zenith at 11, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to dip, falling to 9 at 3:00 PM, and gradually decreasing to 3 by 6:00 PM, before finally settling back at 1 by 7:00 PM. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's crucial to be mindful of this UV fluctuation: stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting the risk of UV exposure throughout the year. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, from February to March, the UV levels rise significantly, peaking at 11 during the summer months of June and July, categorized as extreme, with the shortest burn time of only 10 minutes in peak months like June. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. It is advisable for visitors and residents to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, especially from late spring to mid-summer. As fall approaches, the risk decreases, with the UV Index dropping back to moderate levels by November.
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 |
| Idaho Falls | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |