Does Fox River Heights need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Fox River Heights often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.

Does the water make UV worse in Fox River Heights?

It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Fox River Heights today

Fox River Heights is a Illinois river suburb at 42.0°S. Typical summer peaks of 8–10 (very high) do not ease just because you are under a river red gum's thin shade. This is cool-temperate America: summer UV still climbs into the very high band, and spring arrives before the weather feels hot.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Fox River Heights

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Fox River Heights. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Fox River Heights can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Fox River Heights needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Fox River Heights typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. Time on the river reflects UV back up, so banks and boats need the same cover as a beach day.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Fox River Heights need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Fox River Heights that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Fox River Heights need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Fox River Heights often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Does the water make UV worse in Fox River Heights?: It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.