UV Index in Durham, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Durham, United States is crucial for safeguarding your skin and promoting overall health. With UV levels peaking during midday—reaching a significant 9—it's essential to be aware of potential risks like sunburn and long-term skin damage. Durham's Dfb climate brings a diverse range of seasonal weather; however, it also means exposure to intense UV radiation, particularly in summer months. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Durham

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic solar intensity, peaking at midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, reaching 9 by noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains strong at 8 during the early afternoon before gradually declining to 3 by late afternoon, and finally returning to 1 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of taking precautions during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when UV rays are at their most potent. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to protect your skin!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	5	moderate	30 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Durham

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months typically from April to August, where the UV Index peaks at levels of 8 to 10, resulting in a very high exposure category and a quick burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, and December feature a much lower UV Index, ranging from 2 to 4, which is classified as low to moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. To protect against harmful UV rays, it’s crucial for visitors and residents alike to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the peak sun hours, especially from April to August when sun safety practices should be a top priority.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Durham, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Durham. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Durham, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Durham UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Durham compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Durham's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Durham	3	4	5	8	9	10	9	9	7	5	3	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