UV Index Today in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Current UV

Today's Max

Hourly UV Forecast

low moderate high very high extreme

Surface Type

Reflective surfaces increase your UV exposure — snow reflects up to 90%, sand about 20%.

Safe Exposure Time

Estimated burn times based on the Fitzpatrick scale for skin color and today's maximum UV index of . Tap your skin type:

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Time until burn

With SPF 15*

With SPF 30*

*Assumes proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with reapplication every 2 hours. Estimates follow WHO guidance and satellite-derived data — see how our data works.

Sun Times

Dawn

Sunrise

Solar Noon

Sunset

Dusk

Day Length

Morning Golden Hour Ends

Evening Golden Hour

Important Safety Information

General Guidelines

These exposure times are estimates based on scientific research and should be used as general guidelines only. Individual responses to UV exposure may vary.

Affecting Factors

UV exposure is affected by: time of day, season, altitude, cloud cover, reflection from surfaces, and individual skin sensitivity.

Protection Tips

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM), wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and monitor the UV index regularly.

Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice, especially if you have a history of skin conditions or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Grand Rapids's UV Climate

Grand Rapids lies thirty miles east of Lake Michigan, and the big lake writes its UV story: one of the cloudiest winter climates in America gives way to bright, breezy summers when West Michigan floods to the lakeshore beaches. The seasonal whiplash matters — skin that has seen almost no sun from November to April meets a strong June sun at Grand Haven or Holland State Park, where sand and water reflection amplify a UV index the gray months erased from memory.

Average Annual UV Index

5.7

Peak UV Season

May - August

Sunny Days per Year

159

Typical UV Index by Season in Grand Rapids

Season	Typical Midday UV	Protection Needed
Summer	High to Very High (7-9)	SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall	Moderate (4-6)	SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter	Low (1-2)	Sunscreen for long midday exposure; more on snow

UV Index in Nearby Cities

Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities

Make the most of outdoor activities while staying safe in Kent County:

Check UV index and weather radar before planning outdoor activities
Schedule outdoor activities during low UV hours
Use appropriate sun protection based on UV levels
Stay hydrated during outdoor activities
Take regular breaks in shaded areas
Monitor weather conditions for changes
Be prepared for sudden weather changes
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Wear a hat and protective clothing
Check visibility conditions before outdoor plans
Stay alert to weather alerts and warnings

UV and Weather in Kent County

Learn about Kent County's unique climate patterns, UV radiation levels, and how they affect your daily life. Enter your zip code for location-specific weather radar data and UV forecasts to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection.

Climate and UV Patterns

Grand Rapids' humid continental climate is heavily lake-modified: lake-effect cloud smothers UV from late fall through early spring, then summer delivers surprisingly strong midday values of 7-9 on clear days. The beach culture concentrates exposure — weekend afternoons on west-facing Lake Michigan sand add reflected UV to direct sun during the exact peak hours.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Grand Rapids through the year:

Summer: High to Very High (7-9)
Spring/Fall: Moderate (4-6)
Winter: Low (1-2)
Peak UV hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
Cloud cover can reduce UV by 20-40%, but does not eliminate it
Clear skies bring maximum UV exposure

Local Weather Patterns

Summer weather is warmer and sunnier than Michigan's reputation suggests, with long clear stretches in July and August. The lakeshore's afternoon breeze keeps beach days comfortable while UV does its work unnoticed. From November through March the lake-effect cloud machine keeps skies overcast more days than not, making the practical sun-protection season a compressed May-through-September window that arrives before most residents are ready for it.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Grand Rapids

What is the UV index in Grand Rapids today?

The live UV index for Grand Rapids, MI is shown at the top of this page and updates throughout the day, along with today's maximum and an hourly forecast.

When is the sun strongest in Grand Rapids?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Grand Rapids's peak UV season runs May - August, when the midday index typically reaches High to Very High (7-9).

How high does the UV index get in Grand Rapids?

Summer days in Grand Rapids typically reach High to Very High (7-9). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate (4-6), while winter values are typically Low (1-2).

Do I need sunscreen in Grand Rapids during winter?

Winter UV in Grand Rapids is minimal under persistent lake-effect cloud; sunscreen is mainly for rare sunny days with snow cover during long outdoor activity.

How sunny is Grand Rapids compared to other cities?

Grand Rapids averages about 159 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 5.7.