Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Vineyard Haven, as it directly impacts sun safety and overall skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during the summer months, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cfa climate zone, Vineyard Haven experiences a blend of warmth and humidity, which can amplify UV exposure risks throughout the day. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vineyard Haven | 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 |