Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in North Myrtle Beach is essential for protecting your skin and enjoying the sun safely. Knowing the UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when UV readings can soar to 11. With the region's humid subtropical climate, residents and visitors alike face heightened exposure risks, making it crucial to stay informed about the daily UV forecasts. By being aware of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches while effectively safeguarding your skin health.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 1 by 07:00. As the day progresses, it rises steadily, hitting 2 by 08:00 and reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. The intensity ramps up significantly from 10:00, where it soars to 6, and then it continues its climb to a striking 10 at 12:00. The highest point arrives at 13:00 and 14:00, where the UV Index maxes out at 11, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases, settling at 9 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the values dip to 4 at 17:00, and then cool down to 2 by 18:00, before fading to 1 by 19:00 as daylight fades. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during the sunniest 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | 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, so does the UV Index, which significantly impacts exposure levels throughout the year. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, February ramps up to a high index of 7, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months, from March through August, experience extreme UV levels, particularly in May and June, where the UV Index reaches 11 and burn times shrink to just 10 minutes. September and October see a slight decrease, yet still maintain a very high index of 9 and 8, respectively. The year concludes with lower levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should take special care during the high-risk months from March to August, ensuring proper sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, to mitigate the 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 |
| North Myrtle Beach | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |