Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in New Bedford, United States, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns throughout the warmer months. With a climate classified as Cfa, residents should be aware that UV levels can peak significantly—from a moderate 4 at 9 AM to a concerning 9 by noon. This variation underscores the importance of monitoring UV exposure, especially during the sunniest parts of the day. Protecting your skin is not just about avoiding sunburn; it's about safeguarding against long-term damage inherent in higher UV levels. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the hours. It starts off gently at 1 at 07:00, but as the morning progresses, it climbs swiftly to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 4 at 09:00. The sun intensifies its rays further, peaking at a robust 9 between 12:00 and 13:00—a reminder to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually descends, dipping to 6 at 15:00, and mellowing down to 1 by 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade or applying sunscreen during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index starts off in the moderate range (3-6), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes in January and February, but decreases to 25 minutes in March. The high-risk months emerge from April to September, where the Index rises dramatically to the very high range (8-10), with a critical burn time dropping as low as 15 minutes in April, May, June, July, August, and September. October sees a decline back to a high UV Index (6), allowing for 25 minutes of exposure before burning, while November and December move back into moderate and low categories (4 and 2, respectively) with more forgiving burn times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly when the UV Index is at its peak in the summer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford | 3 | 5 | 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 |