Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Whitefish, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the index reaches levels of 8 to 9 around noon and early afternoon. Nestled in a Dfb climate zone, Whitefish experiences a mix of sunny and cloudy days, but even on overcast days, harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds, posing risks to skin health. Stay vigilant and protect yourself while enjoying the beauty of this stunning location!
The UV Index for the day presents a fascinating snapshot of solar intensity. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 7:00 and 8:00, the sun gradually gains strength, peaking at a robust 9 between 13:00 and 14:00. This period marks the day's highest UV exposure, making it crucial for sun protection. Notably, the intensity begins to taper off after 15:00, descending to 3 by 18:00, and finally closing the day at 2 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder of the day's rhythm: with the sun rising high, the midday hours demand caution, while the early mornings and evenings offer a more gentle embrace of sunlight.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, indicating changing sun exposure risks. The months of May through August are particularly notable, as they experience a very high UV Index of 9, with a burn time of only 15 minutes—marking them as high-risk months for sunburn. In contrast, the winter months of January and December show a low UV Index of 2, allowing up to 45 minutes of exposure with minimal risk. As spring transitions into summer, it's vital for both visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months: wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak hours, and consider protective clothing to reduce UV exposure. As the season shifts into fall and winter, the risk decreases, but staying informed remains essential year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whitefish | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 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 |