UV Index Today in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.

Minneapolis's UV Climate

Minneapolis sits at 45 degrees north — halfway between the equator and the North Pole — yet its summer UV is stronger than the latitude suggests, with long June days pushing the index into the very high range. The city's Chain of Lakes, riverfront trails, and intense warm-season outdoor culture concentrate sun exposure into a few months: Minneapolitans famously maximize every summer day, often logging eight or more outdoor hours on weekends when UV peaks.

Average Annual UV Index

5.9

Peak UV Season

May - August

Sunny Days per Year

198

Typical UV Index by Season in Minneapolis

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High (8-9) 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 Hennepin County:

UV and Weather in Hennepin County

Learn about Hennepin 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

Minneapolis has a true continental climate with the widest seasonal swing of any major US metro. Summer midday UV reaches 8-9 around the solstice, then falls to genuinely low winter values of 1-2 when the sun barely clears 22 degrees at noon. The compressed summer means the year's UV dose arrives in a rush — late May through early August accounts for the majority of annual burn risk, precisely when lakes and patios are busiest.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Very High (8-9)
  • 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 genuinely pleasant and sunnier than the city's cold reputation implies, with long stretches of clear, dry Canadian high pressure. Water is everywhere in Minneapolis — thirteen city lakes plus the Mississippi — and reflection off water adds measurably to exposure for swimmers, paddlers, and patio-sitters. Winter UV is minimal, though fresh snow on sunny March days can surprise cross-country skiers as the sun angle climbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Minneapolis

What is the UV index in Minneapolis today?

The live UV index for Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Minneapolis's peak UV season runs May - August, when the midday index typically reaches Very High (8-9).

How high does the UV index get in Minneapolis?

Summer days in Minneapolis typically reach Very High (8-9). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate (4-6), while winter values are typically Low (1-2).

Do I need sunscreen in Minneapolis during winter?

Winter UV in Minneapolis is low; sunscreen matters mainly for late-winter snow sports on sunny days, when reflection off snow boosts exposure.

How sunny is Minneapolis compared to other cities?

Minneapolis averages about 198 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 5.9.