Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Fort Dodge is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. Understanding the daily UV levels helps residents make informed decisions about sun exposure to protect themselves from harmful rays. In this climate zone (Dfa), Fort Dodge experiences varying UV risks, particularly peaking between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when levels can soar as high as 11. By staying vigilant and informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a more intense 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at an alarming 11 at 1:00 PM, indicating severe UV exposure. This high risk is only slightly alleviated in the following hours, where it drops to 10 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreases to 4 by 5:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index dips to low levels of 2 at 6:00 PM and returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the midday hours, adequate sun protection is crucial to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | 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 undergoes notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels typically occurring in the summer months. April signals the onset of increased UV radiation, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for sun exposure are April to September, when values range from 8 to 11, indicating very high to extreme levels. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during this period, taking proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, the winter months of December and January present a moderate UV risk, but vigilance remains essential, as skin can still be affected by UV rays even when temperatures are cooler.
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 |
| Fort Dodge | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 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 |