Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Norwell, Massachusetts, where sun exposure can significantly affect skin health and increase the risk of sunburn. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during midday, being informed about these risks encourages proactive sun safety habits, protecting our skin from harmful effects. Norwell's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers, presents a unique challenge as residents navigate outdoor activities under varying UV intensity. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy all that our beautiful town has to offer while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it has tripled, reaching 3, and continues its ascent to 4 at 9:00 AM. The peak intensity hits between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an intense 10—an indication of strong sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with values of 9 at 2:00 PM and 7 by 3:00 PM, showing that even later in the day, caution is advised. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index drops back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, making the daylight hours the most critical for sun protection. Stay safe and smart under the sun!
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. January and December maintain a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 45 minutes. As we transition into February and March, the index rises to 4 and 5, respectively, marking a moderate exposure risk with burn times dropping to 30 minutes. The high-risk months commence in April with a UV Index of 8 and peak in May and June at 9 and 10—all categorized as very high—where the burn time significantly decreases to just 15 minutes. This elevated risk persists into July and August before tapering to 7 and 6 in September and October, labeled as high, with burn times extending to 25 minutes. As November returns to moderate levels with an index of 4, residents and visitors are urged to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the peak months from April to August, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwell | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 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 |