Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in North Topsail Beach is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun-soaked shores of this picturesque coastal town. With UVA and UVB rays reaching their peak intensity during midday, knowing the UV levels can significantly impact your skin health and help prevent painful sunburns. North Topsail Beach, categorized in the humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa), experiences elevated UV exposure, especially during the summer months. Be aware of the daily UV Index, as it fluctuates throughout the day, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, to ensure you can bask in the sun safely and protect your skin.
The UV Index for today shows a dramatic rise as the sun ascends into the sky. Starting at a mild 1 by 07:00, the index gradually builds, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at an intense 11 at 13:00—a level where sun protection is crucial. From this pinnacle, the values start to decline, tapering off to 10 at 14:00 and then gradually decreasing through the afternoon and evening, with values of 6 at 16:00 and sliding down to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly, and remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index values fluctuate significantly, with peaks during the summer months. From January to March, the UV index rises from a moderate level of 4 to a very high 8, indicating an increasing risk for skin damage. The high-risk months are clearly identified as May through July, with an extreme index of 11, where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. This intensity decreases slightly in August and September but remains very high at 10 and 9, respectively. As the year closes, UV levels drop back to moderate levels by December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
North Topsail Beach | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |