Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of New Plymouth, U.S., where the sunny BSk climate can lead to significant UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. As the UV Index can soar to 10 around noon, grasping this information empowers you to take necessary precautions, safeguarding yourself while enjoying the sunny weather. Stay informed and protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking increase in sun intensity as the morning transitions into afternoon. Starting off at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, it gradually escalates to 2 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, where values leap to a peak of 10 at 13:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips from 10 at 14:00 to 8 by 16:00, before finally settling back to a more manageable 3 by 18:00 and 2 by 19:00. Be sure to take precautions when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months mainly occurring from March to September. Notably, May to July sees the peak UV Index, reaching an extreme level of 11 in June, which corresponds to a burn time of only 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety, especially during these months, by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. From October to February, the UV Index drops to moderate and low levels, allowing for more comfortable outdoor activities with less risk of sunburn; however, sunscreen use is still advisable in February and March as UV levels begin to rise again.
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 |
| New Plymouth | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |