Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Battle Creek, Michigan, where the climate often sees warm summers and varying UV exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. With peak UV values reaching as high as 9 during midday, it’s vital to protect yourself by knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen. Stay informed about the UV Index to ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during late spring and summer months. April to September are particularly high-risk periods, where the UV Index peaks at 11 in June, categorized as extreme, and remains very high until September. During these months, the recommended burn time shortens to 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the need for diligent sun protection. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Conversely, January to March and November to December present lower UV levels, with January starting at 3 (moderate) and decreasing to 2 (low) by December, where a burn time of 45 minutes suggests less urgency for sun safety measures. However, even in lower UV months, it's wise to remain mindful of sun exposure.
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 |
| Battle Creek | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 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 |