Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Grand Forks, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As a city located in a Dfb climate zone, residents experience seasonal variations, but during the summer, UV levels can rise significantly, especially around midday. With peak indices reaching as high as 9 around 1 PM, understanding these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, such as seeking shade or applying sunscreen, ensuring your skin stays protected while enjoying the outdoors. Stay informed and stay safe under the sun!
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit seasonal variations that significantly affect sun safety. January shows a low UV Index of 2, indicating 45 minutes before skin damage occurs, while February and March see a rise to moderate levels (4 and 5), with burn times reducing to 30 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, April reaches a high UV Index of 7, reducing burn time to 25 minutes, followed by the peak summer months of May through August, where the UV Index hits a very high rating of 8 to 9, allowing only 15 minutes of safe sun exposure. The risk subsides in September and October, returning to high and moderate levels with increased burn times of 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. Finally, November and December revert to low exposure categories, providing 45 minutes before damage occurs again. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months of May to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 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 |