Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Sun Prairie, United States, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburns and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. With a BSk climate, Sun Prairie experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours around midday, when levels soar to 9. This highlights the importance of taking protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to ensure a safe and enjoyable time outdoors. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects!
The UV Index throughout the day displays a fascinating progression of solar intensity. Early risers are greeted with a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index peaks at a remarkable 9 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a strong need for sun protection. Post-peak, it begins its descent, dropping to 4 by 17:00, and finally waning back to 1 by 19:00. This ebb and flow not only marks the sun's dominance but also serves as a timely reminder for sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During this peak period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches 10 and 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should pay special attention to April through August as these months represent the highest risk for UV exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November show much lower UV levels, categorized as low or moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. It is advisable for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August, to minimize the chance of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Prairie | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |