Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Elkader, United States, where sun exposure varies significantly throughout the day. As the UV index can reach a peak of 10 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Elkader's Dfa climate, characterized by warm summers, brings increased UV risks, making it vital to stay informed. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at an invigorating 10 by 1:00 PM. Early morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, sees a mild 1 to 2, making it a perfect time for a leisurely stroll. By 9:00 AM, the UV Index reaches 3, signaling a need for some sun protection. The real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, hitting 8, and just after noon, it soars to its daily maximum of 9. The afternoon hours see a slight decline, with values tapering from 9 at 2:00 PM to 6 by 4:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the UV Index gently drops to 1 by 7:00 PM, wrapping up a day of vibrant sunlight but reminding us to stay vigilant during those peak hours. Remember to reapply sunscreen and seek shade to keep safe while enjoying those sunny moments!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from April to September when the index reaches very high to extreme levels. Notably, June sees the highest UV Index at 11, categorized as extreme, which limits safe exposure to just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January to March) and late fall (October to December) generally present a lower UV Index, with safe exposure times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Given this seasonal variation, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take necessary precautions, especially during peak summer months, by applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day to mitigate the risks of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkader | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |