Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ocean Isle Beach, maintaining awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding skin health against the sun’s harmful rays. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, understanding these readings can significantly aid in preventing sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer. Nestled in a Cfa climate zone, Ocean Isle Beach enjoys warm and sunny weather, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to monitor UV exposure regularly. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of the beach while protecting your skin from its potential harm.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, it escalates steadily to a peak of 11 between 13:00 and 14:00, making it crucial to prioritize sun safety during these hours. As noon approaches, protective measures become essential with the index hitting a striking 10 at 12:00. Following that, a gradual decline occurs, retreating to 6 at 16:00, then tapering to 2 by 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index demonstrates considerable variation, impacting burn potential and risk levels for skin exposure. The highest risk months occur from March to August, with values peaking at 11 during May, June, and July, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks a shift into a high risk category, while September through November gradually decreases the UV levels, transitioning back to moderate by December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to mitigate the potential for 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 |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |