Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Polson, Montana, where the Dfb climate leads to variable UV exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects long-term skin health. With maximum UV values peaking at 9 during midday, it's essential to take precautions, especially in the sunny months when the risk of harmful exposure increases. Prioritizing UV Index awareness not only allows you to enjoy the outdoors safely but also fosters a healthier lifestyle in our beautiful community.
Starting from 07:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, perfect for a morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity gradually increases: reaching 3 by 09:00 AM and then escalating to 4 at 10:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 01:00 PM, with a striking UV Index of 9, suggesting it's vital to seek shade or apply sunscreen during this hour. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 8 at 03:00 PM and 6 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops back to 4 at 05:00 PM, and then gently falls to 2 by 06:00 PM, before settling back at 1 near sunset. It's a day to stay sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too do the UV index levels, impacting sun safety for residents and visitors alike. From January to February, the UV index begins at a low of 2 and rises to a moderate 4, with recommended burn times decreasing from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. March to August marks the high-risk months for UV exposure, with indices peaking at 10 in July, characterized by very high exposure levels and a burn time of just 15 minutes. It is crucial to take precautions during this period, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. As we transition into September through December, the UV index gradually declines, with levels dropping to a low 2 again in December. However, the high-risk months of May through August particularly emphasize the need for vigilance against overexposure to UV rays. Always prioritize sun safety as the UV index fluctuates throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polson | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 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 |