Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents in Raleigh, United States, where the warm, humid Cfa climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at a high of 11 during midday, it’s essential to stay informed to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Recognizing the daily fluctuations in UV radiation helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful North Carolina sunshine while safeguarding your skin. Awareness of these levels not only promotes well-being but also empowers you to embrace Raleigh's vibrant outdoor lifestyle safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This is the moment when sun safety is crucial, urging everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. The morning starts moderately, with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, ascending to 4 by 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, the index reaches 6, then spikes to 9 at 11:00 AM as the sun climbs higher. After the midday peak, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 3 by 5:00 PM, and settling at 1 again by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the highest UV Index hours, staying protected is essential!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting both visitors and residents. January starts off with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, from February through August, the UV Index spikes, reaching an extreme level of 11-12, necessitating a stark reduction in burn time to just 10 minutes during peak months. March and April especially stand out as high-risk months with indices of 9 and 11, respectively, when exposure risks are pronounced. In contrast, September to November, while still high, see a slight decrease with indices ranging from 6 to 10. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions—wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen—during these higher UV months to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Raleigh | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |