Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of International Falls, as it helps us safeguard our skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With its Dfb climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, knowing the UV levels throughout the day is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. From the early morning hours where the index starts low to the peak at noon with an index of 9, the risks of overexposure increase significantly. By being aware of these levels, you can make informed choices to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely in this scenic area.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, perfect for those early morning strolls. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The UV rays become more prominent by 09:00, reaching a 3, and then escalate significantly as the day progresses. At 10:00, the index spikes to 5, and by 11:00 it reaches 6, indicating a real need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index hits a striking 8, followed closely by a 9 at 13:00, marking the most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls in, from 14:00 onwards, the UV levels start to wane, settling at 8 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. The evening approaches with a decrescendo; the index drops to 5 at 16:00, tailing off to 4 by 17:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, awareness and protection make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months primarily from April to August. In April, the UV Index reaches a high level of 7, marking the beginning of increased skin exposure risk, which intensifies into the very high category of 8 and 9 during May, June, and July. Visitors and residents should take precautions particularly between April and August, where a burn can occur in as little as 15 minutes during the peak months. As summer fades into early fall, the UV Index decreases, returning to a moderate level by October and then to low levels in November and December. It's essential for everyone to practice sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in the high-risk periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Falls | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |