Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index at Minot Air Force Base is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With a climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers, the risk of UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the year. High UV levels, particularly between 12 PM to 2 PM, can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues if precautions are not taken. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make educated decisions on sun protection, ensuring that your time outdoors remains safe and enjoyable.
This hour-by-hour UV Index data paints a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. At 07:00 and 08:00, the UV Index remains low at just 1, making it safe for outdoor activities. However, as the clock ticks toward mid-morning, the value climbs to 2 by 09:00. The sun's power peaks between 12:00 and 14:00, with a striking 8 and 9 respectively, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 15:00, the index begins to decrease, dipping to 8, and continues its descent through the late afternoon and evening, reaching 5 at 17:00 and down to 2 by 19:00. Remember, during those mid-day hours, proper sun protection is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
As the seasons change, UV levels fluctuate significantly, necessitating varying precautions for residents and visitors. January through March sees lower UV indices (2 to 5), with longer burn times of 30-45 minutes, classified as low to moderate exposure. April to August, however, presents high-risk months, with UV indices spiking to 9 during April, June, and July, meaning exposure should be limited to 15 minutes to avoid burns. September brings a slight decrease to a UV Index of 7 (high exposure), allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. As we transition into October through December, UV levels drop back to low levels (2 to 4), allowing for safer outdoor activity with burn times extending back to 30-45 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize skin protection during the high-risk months, employing sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade, especially from April to August, while enjoying the outdoors in the cooler months with more confidence.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot Air Force Base | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 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 |