Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saint Paul, United States is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing painful sunburns. With the city residing in a Cfa climate zone, residents and visitors alike experience varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking significantly between 10 AM and 2 PM. During these hours, the UV Index can soar to 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By becoming aware of UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and enjoy the sunny days that frequently grace this vibrant city.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its modest ascent, starting at a gentle 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it picks up to 3, hinting at a sunnier day ahead. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a striking 10 at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 11 by 1:00 PM—perfect for those sun-seeking adventurers! However, after this zenith, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and further easing to a 4 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, it falls to 2, and as the sun sets, it returns to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during those peak hours to protect your skin from harmful rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which pose varying risks for sun exposure. January and December maintain moderate UV levels (3), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while February sees a slight increase to 5. March marks the onset of higher risks with a UV index of 7, categorized as high, and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The months of April and May reach an alarming UV index of 10, labeled as very high, where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. The peak of danger occurs during June and July, with an extreme UV index of 11, demanding caution with an even shorter burn time of 10 minutes. August and September continue to present significant risks, both at a UV index of 10 and 9, respectively. As the year winds down, October sees a decrease to a high level of 7, while November and December return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of March through September, especially during the peak summer months of June and July, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Saint Paul | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |