Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Iron Mountain, Michigan, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As the sun can be especially intense during the summer months, understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Dfb climate that features warm summers, residents can encounter elevated UV exposure, making it essential to recognize peak UV times—particularly when the Index climbs to levels 6-8 around midday. Embrace the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin health by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling the beginning of a more significant UV exposure. The real intensity begins at 10:00, peaking at 8 between 12:00 and 14:00, ensuring that midday sun-seekers are well advised to apply sunscreen and seek shade. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping back to 6 at 15:00 and continuing its descent to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 by 18:00, bringing an end to the day's sun exposure. Remember, during those peak hours, protection is key!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |