Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Raleigh, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns but also safeguards against long-term skin damage, which can lead to more serious conditions. With the city’s Cfa climate, residents experience significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours around noon when the index can reach a staggering 11. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days of Raleigh while minimizing your risk and keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear picture of solar intensity. Starting at 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a moderate 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, we see a slight increase to 3, but the real surge happens as the sun reaches its peak. At 10:00, the index hits 5, and by 11:00, it jumps to 8. The zenith occurs at 12:00, peaking at a formidable 10. The midday hours bring intense sun exposure, with 13:00 reaching an impressive 11 before slightly tapering off. From 14:00 to 15:00, it holds steady at 10 and 8, respectively, indicating the sun’s continued strength. As the evening approaches, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 at 16:00, and further down to 3 by 17:00. Finally, the day winds down with 2 at 18:00 and returns to 1 by 19:00, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during those peak hours when the UV index 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through August, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly in May, June, and July, with a dangerous UV Index of 11 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the winter months show a decrease in UV risk, with January and December marked as having moderate exposure, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing their risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Raleigh | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |