Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Wilmington Island, as it plays a vital role in protecting your skin and overall health from harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday hours, awareness can help you prevent sunburn and minimize long-term skin damage. Wilmington Island's humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers, increases the risk of UV exposure, making it essential to monitor these levels regularly. By grasping the importance of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from excessive UV radiation.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index ramps up rapidly, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to reach a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This hour marks the height of sun exposure, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significant. After this peak, the index begins to descend, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 6 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, early afternoon is best approached with caution and protection—a reminder that while the sun can be enjoyable, it demands respect!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 4) to February (UV Index 7), exposure remains moderate to high, with burn times shortening as spring approaches. The months of March and April see a sharp increase in UV levels (9 and 10 respectively), indicating very high risk for sunburn, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The extreme category dominates from May to August (UV Index 11), where even brief sun exposure can result in burns within 10 minutes. As we move into September and October, the index drops to 10 and 8, maintaining a very high risk, before returning to a moderate level in November and December (UV Index 6 and 4). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially from March through October, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Wilmington Island | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |