Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the heart of Dakota City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With levels soaring to a maximum of 11 during peak hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburns and promoting long-term skin health. The climate here falls into the Dfa zone, characterized by hot summers that amplify UV risks. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, residents can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely and protect themselves from the sun's damaging effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, revealing the sun's intensity. At 7:00 AM, it starts low at 1, signaling a gentle morning. But by 10:00 AM, it surges to 5, urging early outdoor enthusiasts to apply sunscreen. The peak arrives at 1:00 PM with a blistering 11, indicating a strong need for protection. Following this zenith, the index gradually decreases, settling at 4 by 5:00 PM and then retreating to 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. Throughout the day, it's clear: midday is when the sun is both brilliant and fierce, demanding our careful attention.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 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 |