Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bowdle, South Dakota, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With Bowdle's Dfa climate presenting periodic high UV exposures—ranging from a moderate 3 in the morning to an intense peak of 9 in the afternoon—it's vital for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts gently with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, presenting a safe environment for early risers. As the day progresses, the intensity climbs sharply, reaching 4 by 10:00 and peaking at a substantial 9 between 13:00 and 15:00. This midday sunshine demands caution, as UV exposure dramatically increases; thus, wearing protective clothing and sunscreen is highly advised. By 16:00, the index begins to decrease to 7, followed by a steady decline to 3 at 18:00. As twilight approaches, UV risks diminish to 2 by 19:00, allowing for a gentle end to the day's sun exposure.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, with low exposure in January and December (UV Index 2) and moderate to high exposure from February through October. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May through September, where the UV Index peaks at 10 in June and remains above 8 throughout the summer. During these months, the recommended burn time significantly decreases to just 15 minutes, indicating a pressing need for protective measures. Accordingly, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. As the season transitions to November and December, UV risk diminishes, allowing for safer outdoor activities without the same level of concern.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowdle | 2 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 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 |