Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Grand Rapids, United States, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation can significantly impact your skin health. Monitoring UV levels helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With a Dfb climate, Grand Rapids typically experiences varied UV exposure, peaking in the summer months. Notably, expect high UV Index readings around midday—reaching up to 10—which underline the importance of sun safety measures. Stay informed and protect your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low, hitting just 1 by 07:00 and maintaining that level through 08:00. However, as the morning progresses, anticipation builds with a steady climb to 3 by 09:00 and peaking at a noteworthy 5 by 10:00. The intensity escalates sharply, reaching a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. Gradually, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping back to 9 at 15:00 and easing down to 5, 3, and finally 2 as the day winds down through 17:00 to 19:00. A day to remember for sun seekers, but remember to apply that sunscreen during peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, highlighting periods of higher risk for sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, with February seeing an increase. April to August marks the peak high-risk months, featuring very high UV levels, particularly in June and July, where the burn time drops to a remarkable 15 minutes. September transitions into a high UV category, while October to December see a gradual decline, returning to low risk by year's end. To protect yourself, especially during the high UV months of April through August, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize exposure. Be particularly vigilant during the summer months when burn time is significantly reduced.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |