Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Montreat, North Carolina, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding these UV levels can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate that brings both sunny days and occasional overcast skies, Montreat residents and visitors face unique UV exposure risks. Notably, during midday hours, the UV Index peaks at a striking 11, indicating extremely high levels of UV radiation. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Montreat while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low throughout the morning, only reaching 3 by 09:00. However, by 11:00, the index skyrockets to 8, peaking at an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 once again by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours pose the greatest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months coinciding with late spring and summer. From April to July, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to minimize skin damage. The risk remains high in March and August, with an index of 8 to 10, necessitating vigilance. Conversely, during the winter months of January and December, the UV Index drops to 4, categorized as moderate, providing some relief, yet it’s still wise to practice sun safety. As the seasons change, staying informed and adapting sun protection strategies is crucial for overall health.
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 |
Montreat | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |