Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Grand Rapids, United States, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can vary significantly throughout the day. The UV Index provides essential information on sun safety, helping you prevent sunburn and protect your skin's health. With a Dfb climate that brings warm summers and variable sun intensity, knowing the UV levels can help you take proactive measures, especially when readings peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 10. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful sunshine while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index today shows a striking rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually increases to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sunshine peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, reaching a robust 4, before soaring to its highest point of 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the index slightly dips but remains notable at 9 until 3:00 PM. The day transitions into the evening with values gently falling to 3 by 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that protecting your skin during the midday hours—especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—is essential for safety in the sun.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |