Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Butte, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially with the state's higher exposure during peak hours. Butte's Dfb climate brings about distinct seasonal variations, but summer can push UV levels into the high and very high categories, particularly around midday. Stay informed and take precautions to enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index sharply rises throughout the morning, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing gradually to 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the intensity escalates dramatically, hitting a striking 10 at noon. By 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the index reaches its zenith at 11, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to dip, falling to 9 at 3:00 PM, and gradually decreasing to 3 by 6:00 PM, before finally settling back at 1 by 7:00 PM. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's crucial to be mindful of this UV fluctuation: stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the sun 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with high-risk months typically observed from March to September. During this period, the UV Index peaks in June at an extreme level of 11, necessitating protected exposure of only 10 minutes to prevent skin damage. April and May both present very high indices of 9 and 10, respectively, with burn times decreasing to 15 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially from noon to 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest. In contrast, the UV Index is much lower in January and December, ranging from 2 to 3, allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Therefore, awareness and proactive measures are essential throughout the peak UV months to ensure skin health and safety.
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 |
| Butte | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 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 |