Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in York Harbor, United States, especially as the area experiences a Dfb climate, characterized by moderate summers and a fair amount of sunshine. Awareness of daily UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health—high UV exposures, particularly from late morning to early afternoon, can lead to increased risks of skin damage. With maximum UV Index values reaching 10 during peak hours, it’s essential to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoor conditions safely.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| York Harbor | 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 |