Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Pine Ridge, United States, where the high-altitude, semi-arid climate can lead to increased sun exposure. With UV levels reaching a peak of 9 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and ensure you're taking the necessary precautions under the sun. Whether you’re enjoying the beautiful landscapes or participating in outdoor sports, knowing the UV levels helps safeguard your well-being against the potentially harmful effects of UV radiation typical of the region's climate.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and steadily rising as the sun reaches its peak. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 6, reaching 8 at 11:00 and peaking at an intense 9 from 12:00 to 13:00. This period signifies the greatest caution for sun exposure, making it essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then declining further to 7 by 15:00, and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s a day that encourages sun safety awareness, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |