Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index in Elkhart, Indiana, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential, as it directly impacts your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Elkhart's BSk climate often leads to significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours, with peak levels reaching 12 around noon. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunshine safely and maintain healthier skin.
The UV Index starts off low in the early morning hours, peaking at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the index begins to rise sharply, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM. However, the sun's intensity truly escalates between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with a striking peak of 12 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a reminder to stay protected during the midday sun. The index then begins to gradually decline, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and settling to 2 by 7:00 PM. As evening approaches, it’s clear that the sun’s strength has diminished, offering a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, significantly impacting sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, UV levels remain moderate, making burn times approximately 30 minutes. However, as spring arrives in March and peaks in April, the UV Index surges to very high levels of 8 and 10, respectively, reducing burn times to just 15 minutes. The summer months of May through August present the highest risk, with extreme UV Index readings of 11 to 12 and burn times dropping to 10 minutes. In September, the risk diminishes slightly but remains very high, while by October, it further decreases to a high index of 7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter approaches, November and December return to moderate UV levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months of March to September, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Elkhart | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |