Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sturgis is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With the city's temperate Dfa climate, residents experience varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking sharply between 10 AM and 4 PM. During these hours, UV Index levels can reach as high as 9, posing significant risks for skin damage if adequate protection isn’t used. By being aware of the UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin for years to come.
The UV Index today starts off gently, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM, making early morning outdoor activities relatively safe. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily to 4 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, reaching a peak of 9 at 1:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the day transitions, the UV Index gradually declines after 2:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Whether you're heading out for work or leisure, knowing these hours can help you stay protected under 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with notable spikes during the summer months. January and February have a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, respectively, allowing for around 30 minutes of sun exposure before burning. However, as spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high UV Index of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The intensity peaks in April and continues through August, where the UV Index reaches a very high level of 9 or 10, resulting in only 15 minutes of safe exposure. September starts to ease with an index of 8, followed by a return to high levels in October (6) and gradually decreasing to moderate levels in November and December (4 and 3, respectively). High-risk months for UV exposure are from April through September, during which residents and visitors are advised to take precautions such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |