Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Dakota City, understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. With the city experiencing a humid continental climate, residents face varying UV exposure risks throughout the year, particularly during peak sunlight hours. On sunny days, the UV Index can rise dramatically, peaking at 10 around noon, making it essential to be aware of these levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors that Dakota City has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The heat peaks around 12:00, reaching a blistering 9, and hits its maximum at 13:00 and 14:00, both at a high of 10—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the UV Index gradually dips; by 18:00, it's down to 2, and as twilight approaches, it settles back at 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically from April to September when the levels elevate to very high and extreme categories. Notably, June peaks at a UV Index of 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. May and July follow closely behind, both maintaining UV indexes of 9 and 10. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate UV exposure. In contrast, from October to March, the UV Index drops to moderate or low levels, with burn times increasing to 30 to 45 minutes, making sun protection less critical during this period.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota City | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 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 |