Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bourne, Massachusetts, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risk of skin damage. With Bourne's Cfa climate, typically characterized by warm summers, residents should be especially vigilant during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to a high of 10 around midday. By keeping an eye on daily UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin’s health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, by 08:00, it climbs to a moderate 3, urging early risers to begin taking precautions. The intensity increases significantly throughout the morning, peaking at a robust 10 by 13:00—a strong reminder that sun safety is crucial. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually drops, hitting 7 at 15:00 before tapering back down to 1 by 19:00 as the sun sets. Plan your day wisely, protecting yourself from UV rays during peak hours around 11:00 to 14:00, where the risk is 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. From March to September, the UV Index escalates from 6 to a maximum of 10, indicating high to very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. April through September are particularly critical months, with May, June, July, and August having an extremely high UV Index of 9 or 10, resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Conversely, November through February sees a decrease in UV levels, reaching a low of 2 in December, when exposure times can safely extend to 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourne | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |