Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cottage Grove, United States, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the area's Dfb climate, residents experience considerable UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can reach as high as 10 around midday. This highlights the importance of being aware of UV levels to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin’s health—so whether you’re basking in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, make sure you're equipped with the right knowledge.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise, peaking at an intense 10 around 1 PM, signaling the highest level of harmful UV radiation. Early morning hours start gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 4 by 9 AM. The ascent continues steadily, reaching a notable 8 between 11 AM and 12 PM before soaring to its zenith. After this peak, the index begins to wane, declining to 5 by 4 PM and dropping further to a safe 1 by 7 PM. It’s vital to stay protected during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM to enjoy the sunshine without compromising skin health.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes that impact sun safety for residents and visitors. From April to September, the UV Index peaks, reaching levels as high as 10 in the summer months of June and July. This indicates a very high exposure category, with a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes during these months. Conversely, during the winter months of December through February, the UV Index is considerably lower, ranging from 2 to 4, with a burn time of 30 to 45 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of April to September, and take appropriate protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize their risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |