United States
UV Index in Minnesota — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 1 cities in Minnesota. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Minnesota
Sun Safety in Minnesota
UV levels in Minnesota vary by season, altitude, and proximity to water. The WHO recommends sun protection whenever UV reaches 3 or higher. Apply SPF 30+ before outdoor activities and reapply every 2 hours.
UV Index in Minnesota: What to Know
Minnesota has moderate UV for most of the year, peaking around the June solstice. Snow cover in spring can reflect and amplify early-season UV.
Across Minnesota, the UV index peaks in the four hours around solar noon (roughly noon to 3 PM local time). The World Health Organization recommends sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 at UV 3–5, SPF 50 at UV 6–7, and SPF 50+ with reapplication every two hours at UV 8 and above. Check the live, hour-by-hour UV index for Minneapolis on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Minnesota
When is the UV index highest in Minnesota?
UV in Minnesota is strongest between noon and 3 PM local time, and highest in the summer months when the sun sits highest in the sky. Check the hourly chart for Minneapolis above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Minnesota?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Minnesota covers most of the daytime hours from spring through fall. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV can reach the ground.
How accurate is this UV data for Minnesota?
Our UV index for Minnesota comes from Open-Meteo, which aggregates national weather-service models, and updates every 15 minutes. Levels follow the official WHO global solar UV index scale.