Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mankato, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With summer temperatures soaring and sunlight peaking during the day, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. Mankato, characterized by its Dfa climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, with peak indices reaching as high as 9 around midday. Staying informed about these levels empowers residents to enjoy the outdoors while protecting themselves from harmful UV rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, indicating minimal risk. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, still manageable for early risers. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM with a 3, signaling the need for a little sunscreen. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it soars to a striking 9 at 1:00 PM, which suggests strong sun protection is essential. Following this, the index slips down, recorded at 8 at 2:00 PM and 7 at 3:00 PM, offering a brief reprieve. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index drops steadily, landing back at 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, particularly from spring through summer. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to September, where the UV Index peaks at 10 in June and July, indicating a very high exposure category with a burn time of only 15 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, the winter months of December and January present lower levels, with UV Index values of 2 and 3 respectively, allowing for longer burn times of 45 and 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade when outdoors, especially during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mankato | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |