Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for residents of Spirit Lake, United States, as it plays a critical role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Understanding UV levels can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches levels 7 and 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Spirit Lake's climate, characterized by cool summers, can still lead to significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. Arm yourself with knowledge about the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index showcases its peak intensity during the midday hours, starting at 08:00 with a modest value of 2, which swiftly escalates to a striking 8 by 12:00 and remains at this level until 13:00. As the afternoon sun begins to wane, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 6 by 15:00, and further descending to reach 3 by 17:00. As day turns into evening, the UV exposure drops significantly, culminating in a safe 1 at both 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a clear reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV rays are at their 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, highlighting the importance of sun safety. Winter months (January and December) present low UV Index levels of 2, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities with a longer burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March see an increase to a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, with a burn time of 30 minutes. April marks the transition to higher risk, with an index of 6 (high exposure) and burn time reducing to 25 minutes. The summer months (May to August) are particularly critical, characterized by very high UV Index levels of 8 to 9, where exposure should be limited to just 15 minutes to prevent burns. September sees a slight decrease to a high index of 7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate levels in October and November. Therefore, visitors and residents are strongly advised to use sun protection—such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—especially during the high-risk months of May through August when UV exposure is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Lake | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 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 |