Does West Lake Francis Shores need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in West Lake Francis Shores 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 West Lake Francis Shores?

It can. The lake surface 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 West Lake Francis Shores today

West Lake Francis Shores sits on the water in Minnesota at 45.5°S. Lake glare works like a beach: UV from above and off the surface, with summer middays typically 8–10 (very high). 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 West Lake Francis Shores

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for West Lake Francis Shores. 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 lakeside day in West Lake Francis Shores can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When West Lake Francis Shores needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in West Lake Francis Shores typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. Lake glare adds a second dose on top of the sky reading, the same way a beach does.

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 West Lake Francis Shores need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In West Lake Francis Shores 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 West Lake Francis Shores need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in West Lake Francis Shores 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 West Lake Francis Shores?: It can. The lake surface 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.