Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Cape Charles, Virginia, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can be crucial in preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage—even on days when the sun doesn’t seem overly bright. With a Cfa climate characterized by hot summers and relatively mild winters, locals and visitors alike need to be aware of high UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a severe 11. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, prompting varying levels of sun safety awareness among visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-5), with burn times of 30 minutes. However, March marks the beginning of higher risk, with a surge to a high index of 7 and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The danger escalates in April and May, reaching very high levels (9-10) and shortened burn times of just 15 minutes. July stands out with an extreme UV Index of 11, where even 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns. Subsequently, from August to October, the index remains high but gradually decreases to 8 in October, requiring vigilance with a burn time of 15 minutes. In the cooler months of November and December, the UV level drops back to moderate (3-5) with a longer burn time of 30 minutes. To protect against overexposure, it is crucial for everyone to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months from March through September.
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 |
| Cape Charles | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |