UV Index in Wilmington, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Wilmington, United States, where the sun shines brightly and temperatures often soar. As the UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, awareness can make all the difference in preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. With a humid subtropical climate, Wilmington typically experiences high UV exposure risks, particularly during midday when the index peaks at a significant 11. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely, protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while embracing the vibrant lifestyle Wilmington has to offer.

Hourly UV Index in Wilmington

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Wilmington

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Wilmington, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Wilmington 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.

Wilmington'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
Wilmington	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