Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Harkers Island, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not monitored closely. With a Cfa climate that offers ample sunshine, Harkers Island residents and visitors face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly around noon, the UV levels can reach as high as 11, making it essential to understand when to seek shade or apply sunscreen to prevent skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but watch out as it rampages up to 4 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, when the index hits a 6, and it reaches its peak of 10 at 12:00. The sun is relentless, pushing the index to 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, making this the most hazardous time of the day. Fortunately, the UV levels start to decline after 15:00, dropping back to 9, then dwindling to 4 by 17:00, and finally retreating to a safer 1 by 19:00. Ensure you take proper sun protection measures during the peak hours to safeguard your skin!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the most dangerous months for sun exposure falling between March and August. During this period, UV levels peak at 11 in May, June, and July, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. As the year progresses into the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases, reaching moderate levels in January and December, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, even in these months, some sun protection is advisable.
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 |
| Harkers Island | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |