Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of La Grande, Oregon, where the climate can heighten exposure risks due to its high elevation and sunny mornings. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially when the index reaches peak levels of 10 around noon. With the typical Csb climate offering bright summer days, it's important to monitor these levels throughout the day to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that La Grande has to offer!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts off mild at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the UV radiation intensifies, peaking at an impressive 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This is when sun safety becomes crucial—protect your skin! After this peak, the index begins to decline, tapering to 8 at 3:00 PM and 5 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the radiation eases further, landing at 2 by 6:00 PM and dropping back to a low 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January (UV Index 3) to December (UV Index 2), the risk generally decreases, but high-risk months span from March to September, with May, June, and July peaking at a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high. During these months, residents and visitors should be particularly cautious, as the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage. Conversely, October and November offer moderate exposure risks with increased burn times of 30 minutes, while December presents the lowest risk at a UV Index of 2, allowing for 45 minutes of safe sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| La Grande | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |