Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of North Cape May, where the sunny climate and coastal beauty can also bring significant risks of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during midday hours, awareness of these rates can help prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. As part of a Cfa climate zone, the region experiences warm summers that warrant vigilance when enjoying outdoor activities. Stay informed about UV levels to ensure your sun safety and skin health while basking in the beautiful surroundings of North Cape May!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise, peaking at an intense 10 around 1 PM, signaling the highest level of harmful UV radiation. Early morning hours start gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 4 by 9 AM. The ascent continues steadily, reaching a notable 8 between 11 AM and 12 PM before soaring to its zenith. After this peak, the index begins to wane, declining to 5 by 4 PM and dropping further to a safe 1 by 7 PM. It’s vital to stay protected during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM to enjoy the sunshine without compromising skin health.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal variations that can significantly impact sun exposure. January and December have moderate UV conditions (Index 3), allowing for a 30-minute burn time, while February shows a slight increase to Index 5, maintaining a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March reaches an elevated Index of 6, indicating high risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The risk peaks during the summer months—April through August—where the Index consistently hits 9 or 10, categorizing these months as very high risk for UV exposure, necessitating only 15 minutes of sun exposure before burning occurs. The risk diminishes slightly in September (Index 8) and October (Index 7) but remains significant, with shorter burn times of 15 and 25 minutes, respectively. November and December revert to moderate levels (Index 4 and 3). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
| North Cape May | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |