Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Iron Mountain, United States, is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful sun exposure. With the potential for high UV levels, especially around midday when the index peaks at 9, it's essential to stay informed to prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health. Iron Mountain, characterized by its Dfb climate, experiences distinct seasonal variations that influence UV exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage—knowledge is your best sunscreen!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of intensity, peaking at midday. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 13:00, where it escalates from 4 to a striking 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 5 at 16:00. The evening sees a further decrease, settling back to 2 by 18:00 and returning to 1 at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to take precautions, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV rays are most potent.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit seasonal variations, significantly impacting sun safety for visitors and residents. The high-risk months, characterized by a UV Index of 8 or higher, are May through August, where the potential for skin damage escalates to very high exposure, necessitating caution and protective measures within a burn time of just 15 minutes. Conversely, January and December display a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes with minimal risk. March and April serve as transitional periods, where levels rise to moderate and high, encouraging individuals to begin employing sun protection strategies. Residents and visitors should be vigilant from late spring to summer, ensuring adequate sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Mountain | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 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 |