Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Le Mars, United States, where the climate is characterized as Dfa, leading to significant sun exposure, especially during the summer months. Awareness of UV levels is vital as it helps prevent sunburn and protects overall skin health; with midday readings often peaking at 9, the risk of harmful effects increases sharply. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months generally occurring from April through September. During these months, the UV Index peaks, reaching an extreme level of 11 in June, where exposure should be limited to just 10 minutes to avoid sunburn. The remainder of the summer, particularly in July and August, also presents very high levels, suggesting burn times of only 15 minutes. Conversely, the winter months, particularly January and December, feature lower indices of 2 and 3, respectively, meaning sun exposure is less hazardous, allowing for burns in approximately 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during higher UV Index months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its most intense. As the seasons change, adjusting sun safety practices is essential for safeguarding skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Mars | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 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 |