Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pine Ridge, United States, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during mid-afternoon, being aware of these ratings can help you effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In this semi-arid climate, where sunny days are the norm, the risk of overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays increases significantly. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin protected from the potential harm of excessive sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, where it reaches a striking 10, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. 13:00 sees an even higher point of 11, making it crucial for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to descend—falling to 8 by 15:00 and tapering off to a more manageable 3 by 17:00. The day concludes with a soft decline, dropping back to 1 by 19:00. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of protecting skin during the midday sun to prevent damage and ensure safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest risk months being June and July, both featuring an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring turns into summer, there is a notable increase in UV exposure, peaking in April and May with very high indices of 8 and 9, respectively. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious between March and September, when the UV Index frequently reaches high to extreme levels. To protect yourself, it's advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high SPF, especially during peak sun hours. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, returning to moderate levels by December, but vigilance is still recommended, particularly in the earlier months.
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 |
| Pine Ridge | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |