Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the bustling streets of Manhattan, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels spiking to a high of 10 in the midday sun, understanding these measurements can be pivotal in preventing sunburn and safeguarding against long-term skin damage. Manhattan's Dfb climate brings a mix of sunny days and seasonal variations, increasing exposure risks throughout the year. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant city while ensuring your skin stays healthy and protected from harmful radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, hinting at the day ahead. As we approach mid-morning, the intensity climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM and then dramatically spikes to 5 at 10:00 AM. The real peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the index soars to a whopping 10, indicating strong sun exposure. This midday intensity begins to taper off by 3:00 PM, as it drops to 9, and continues to slide through the late afternoon, ending the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and February have moderate UV levels (3 and 5, respectively), while March sees a rise to high levels (7), marking the beginning of increased sun exposure. The danger escalates quickly in April (UV Index 8) and peaks in May and June (both at UV Index 11), categorized as extreme, necessitating precautions as burn times drop to just 10 minutes. July and August follow closely with very high levels (10), and September remains a high-risk month at 8. As the year progresses, October sees a decrease to high (6), November returns to moderate (4), and December drops to low exposure (2). **Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April through September, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to reduce harm from UV exposure.
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 |
| Manhattan | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |