Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Estherville, where sunny days can lead to harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, understanding these readings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and skin health, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely. With a Dfa climate, Estherville experiences warm summers with heightened UV exposure risks, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index peaks at a level 10. Stay informed and protect your skin, so you can fully embrace the vibrant outdoors that Estherville has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, beginning at a moderate 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches 2, indicating a slight rise in solar intensity. The index continues to peak dramatically, hitting a notable 6 by 10:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 from 12:00 to 14:00, marking this time as the most intense period for UV exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then gently falling to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the day turns to dusk, the UV Index settles back to a safer 1 by 19:00. It's crucial to enjoy the sun wisely, particularly during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, influencing sun exposure risks throughout the year. From January to March, the UV Index is moderate, peaking at 5, where the typical burn time is 30 minutes. April through August marks the high-risk period, characterized by very high UV Index readings of 8 to 10, significantly reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. This makes April to August the months requiring the most careful sun protection measures. September to November sees a return to moderate levels, with the UV Index dropping back to 3 to 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during the peak summer months, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize their risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estherville | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| 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 |