Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kittery, United States, where the climate and seasonal variations can significantly impact sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 10 during midday hours, awareness of these levels can aid in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Given Kittery’s Dfb climate, which features warm summers and cold winters, it's essential for locals to stay informed about daily UV risks to protect themselves and their families. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the harmful effects of the sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. By 08:00, it increases to 3, prompting a bit more awareness. The intensity builds, reaching 4 by 09:00 and then surging to 7 at 10:00. The day reaches its peak between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index hits its maximum of 10, signaling a high risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline—9 at 14:00, 7 at 15:00, and then easing to 5 by 16:00. The late hours bring a gradual reduction, settling back down to 3 at 17:00, 2 at 18:00, and finally returning to 1 by 19:00. Remember to prioritize sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when the risk is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During this peak period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches 10 and 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should pay special attention to April through August as these months represent the highest risk for UV exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November show much lower UV levels, categorized as low or moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. It is advisable for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August, to minimize the chance of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kittery | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |