Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ulysses, Kansas, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With UV levels peaking around midday, reaching as high as 12, being aware of these levels can empower you to take necessary precautions when enjoying the outdoors. Ulysses, situated in a BSk climate zone, experiences notable UV exposure, especially during the summer months. Knowing the UV Index helps you protect yourself from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure, ensuring that your time in this beautiful region remains safe and enjoyable.
Throughout the day, the UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity, peaking around midday. At 07:00 and 08:00, the index remains low at 1, perfect for early morning activities. As the sun climbs, 9:00 sees a gentle rise to 3, and by 10:00, it ramps up further to 5. The real intensity hits at 12:00, soaring to 10, with the hottest hours at 13:00 and 14:00, both reaching a max of 12—definitely a call to seek shade! As the afternoon declines, the readings gracefully decrease to 10 at 15:00, then taper off to 8 at 16:00, 6 at 17:00, and cool down to 3 and 2 by 18:00 and 19:00, respectively. Stay protected during those high UV hours, especially from noon to 2 PM!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, impacting sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (4-5), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March marks a transition to a high UV Index of 7, and by April, it escalates to 10, signaling the start of very high risk months. The peak UV exposure occurs in May and June, reaching an extreme 11-12, where one can burn in just 10 minutes. July continues this pattern, but a slight decline begins in August (UV Index 11). By September, the UV Index drops to 9, still indicating very high risk, before settling back to high levels in October (UV Index 7). During the late fall and winter months, the index decreases to moderate levels again. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially from April to August, ensuring proper sun protection such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Ulysses | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |