Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of East Hampton, United States, where sunny coastal days can lead to unexpected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and maintain healthy skin. With an oceanic climate, East Hampton experiences varying UV exposure, particularly peaking in the midday hours; for instance, the UV Index can reach as high as 9 around noon. Being aware of these daily fluctuations is essential for enjoying the outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off relatively low, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gently climbs to 2, but it’s not until 9:00 AM that the intensity begins to gather real momentum, reaching 4. The index rises sharply as the day progresses, hitting 6 by 10:00 AM, and then escalating to a striking 8 at 11:00 AM. The maximum intensity occurs at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it levels off at a high 9. This peak is maintained through 2:00 PM, after which the UV Index begins its descent, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM, 5 at 4:00 PM, and further declining to 3 by 5:00 PM. By the evening, it gently falls back to 1 at both 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, signaling a significant reduction in sun exposure. Overall, it's a day where protection from UV radiation is essential during peak hours!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September, when the index consistently ranges between 6 and 10. Specifically, April to August feature very high levels, with peak values reaching 10 in June and July, corresponding to a dangerously short burn time of 15 minutes. In contrast, January and December present lower UV risks, categorized as moderate to low, with corresponding burn times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. To safeguard your skin, it is crucial for visitors and residents to adopt protective measures, especially during the peak months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours to reduce UV exposure effectively.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Hampton | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |