Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where sunny days are plentiful. Being aware of UV levels helps you take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. With a Cfa climate that often experiences heightened UV exposure, especially during peak hours, it's crucial to monitor levels that can reach as high as 11 around noon. Equip yourself with this knowledge to protect your skin and fully embrace the beauty of Kitty Hawk's beaches and attractions.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 4, indicating a gradual surge in sun intensity. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, where it spikes to a striking 10, suggesting that protective measures are essential. The intensity remains high through 1:00 PM with a peak of 11, before gradually tapering off. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 5, and as the day winds down, it declines to a more manageable 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during the midday hours. Remember to protect your skin when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin health. Notably, high-risk months occur between March and August, where UV levels reach their peak, especially in May and July with extreme categories (11), indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. From February to October, sun exposure should be approached with caution, as the index consistently marks very high to extreme levels. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. In contrast, the lower-risk months of January, November, and December present moderate levels, but it is always wise to remain vigilant about 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 |
| Kitty Hawk | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |