Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Clarkfield, Minnesota, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With the region's Dfa climate, residents are often exposed to varying UV levels throughout the day, making awareness essential for preventing painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Notably, during peak hours—particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM—the index can reach as high as 10, indicating an increased risk of harm from UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy outdoor activities while protecting your skin from unnecessary exposure.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels. January starts off with a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes before protection is needed. As we move into February and March, the UV Index remains at 5, still in the moderate category. However, starting in April, UV exposure escalates with an Index of 7, indicating a high risk of harm, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May through August, where the Index reaches a very high level of 9 to 10, allowing only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. September and October see a decrease back to high and moderate levels respectively, with UV Index readings of 7 and 5, and burn times of 25 and 30 minutes. The year rounds out with lower risks in November and December, where the UV Index drops to 3 and 2, with burn times extending to 30 and 45 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months of April to August by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkfield | 3 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 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 |