Last updated: June 2, 2025
In La Crosse, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. With the region's Cfa climate, residents and visitors alike face unique exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 11. Understanding these UV levels not only helps protect your skin from harmful rays but also empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're lounging by the river or exploring the beautiful parks, staying informed about the UV Index will ensure you can soak up the sun while keeping your skin safe.
The hourly UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently in the early morning, with maximum readings of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, it gradually begins to climb. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a noticeable increase in UV exposure. The sun peaks dramatically at 12:00, soaring to a 10, reaching its zenith with a maximum of 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00—a prime time for sun protection. As the afternoon slips into evening, the UV Index begins to recede, dropping to 8 by 16:00, and then tapering off to 5 at 17:00. The day winds down with a safe 3 at 18:00 and returns to a manageable 1 by 19:00, reminding us to stay vigilant and enjoy the sun responsibly throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels vary significantly, with high-risk months occurring from March to August. The UV Index peaks in June and July at level 11, classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. During this period, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take extra precautions, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As we transition into the fall months, the UV Index drops to 9 in September and October, remaining high yet manageable, while the winter months of December through February feature a lower UV Index, ranging from 3 to 5, which presents a more moderate risk. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to remain aware of UV levels year-round and take appropriate sun safety measures when necessary.
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 |
| La Crosse | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 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 |