Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sturgis, United States is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As the UV levels can soar to a peak of 11 between noon and 1 PM, awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate, Sturgis experiences warm summers, making the risk of overexposure particularly high. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sunny outdoor activities the region has to offer while safeguarding their skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index makes its initial climb, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early morning outings. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a cautious 4, signaling a need for light protection. The day really heats up at 11:00 AM, where it peaks at a striking 9, and it hits its maximum intensity of 11 at 1:00 PM. During these hours, sunscreen is a must if you plan to be outdoors! As afternoon approaches, the intensity begins to wane, with the index tapering back to 7 by 3:00 PM and dropping to a relaxed 1 by 6:00 PM, perfect for evening strolls. Remember, while UV rays are their strongest in the early afternoon, they remain a factor throughout the day—stay safe in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. From April to September, the UV Index reaches very high levels, particularly in May and June, when it hits an extreme rating of 11. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through September, with the lowest burn time of just 10 minutes occurring in May and June. As such, it's crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. In the fall and winter, the UV Index decreases to moderate levels, with safer exposure times returning. However, awareness is still essential year-round 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 |
| Sturgis | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |