Last updated: May 3, 2025
In North Fork, understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With its mild climate (Cfb), residents and visitors alike may underestimate the sun's intensity, especially during peak hours when the UV levels can reach as high as 12. This makes it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the skin is most vulnerable. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself, enjoy the outdoors safely, and maintain healthy skin year-round.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun exposure, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Starting the morning with a mild maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily rises, reaching 12 by midday—an indication of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 10 at 2:00 PM and then gradually decreases to a more moderate level of 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index settles back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors again. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV levels indicate varying risks associated with sun exposure. From January to April, UV Index values gradually rise from 5 (moderate) in January to 11 (extreme) in April, with February and March being notably high-risk months at 8 and 10, respectively. The peak of UV intensity occurs from May to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12-13; hence, these months are particularly hazardous, with a burn time as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, October to December sees a decrease, with October and November presenting very high and high-risk categories, but still requiring caution with burn times of 15-25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months of March through September to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| North Fork | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |