Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ham Lake, United States, where the climate's distinct seasonal variations can lead to significant variations in sun exposure. With UV levels peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for effective sunburn prevention and promoting long-term skin health. In this Dfb climate zone, the risk of harmful UV radiation can escalate quickly, especially in summer months. By staying informed about daily UV index levels, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from damage.
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index starts off mild with a maximum of 1 to 2, making it a safe time for early outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels rise sharply, reaching 4 by 09:00 and hitting 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks at 13:00 with a significant 10, indicating high exposure risk, perfect for applying sunscreen and seeking shade. As we move into the afternoon, levels gradually decrease, tapering to 9 by 14:00 and falling back to a more manageable 4 by 17:00. By evening, UV levels drop to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking a safe return for those looking to enjoy twilight outdoors. Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks of skin damage from sun exposure. The low-risk months are January and December, with UV Index levels of 2, allowing for about 45 minutes of safe sun exposure. As we move into early spring, February and March show a moderate index of 4 and 5, respectively, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months notably occur from April to August, peaking in June with a UV Index of 10, and requiring sunscreen application and minimal exposure after just 15 minutes. September dips to a high level of 7, while October and November present a moderate risk. Visitors and residents should take precautions, particularly during peak summer months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Lake | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 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 |