UV Index in Ocracoke, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Ocracoke, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and enjoying the outdoors safely. With peak UV levels reaching a steep 11 around midday, awareness of these measurements helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. The Cfa climate of the area provides ample sunshine, increasing your UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin while soaking up the natural beauty Ocracoke has to offer.

Hourly UV Index in Ocracoke

The UV Index for today starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM, then gradually increases as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it hits 6, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity keeps climbing, reaching a maximum of 11 at 1:00 PM, making this the most crucial time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM, then further to 2 by the evening, signalling a return to a safer UV environment. Remember, protecting your skin is vital during those peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	6	high	25 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Ocracoke

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Ocracoke, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Ocracoke. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Ocracoke, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Ocracoke UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Ocracoke compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Ocracoke's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Ocracoke	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