Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Oak Harbor is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, helping residents gauge the potential risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate categorized as Csb, Oak Harbor experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 8 around 1 PM. Being informed about these levels allows you to take proactive steps—such as applying sunscreen, seeking shade, or wearing protective clothing—when outdoor activities are on the agenda. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest while prioritizing your skin's well-being!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of solar intensity. At 07:00, it starts off gently at 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises to 2 by 08:00 and hits 3 by 09:00, indicating a gradual increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives at 13:00 with an impressive 8, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautionary measures. Following this, the intensity begins to recede, dropping to 6 by 15:00, and decreasing to 5 by 16:00. As dusk descends, the UV Index cools down to 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of how the sun's strength can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin safety for visitors and residents. January to March sees a gradual increase in UV Index, peaking with a moderate level in March at 5, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months, characterized by extremely high levels of UV radiation, are May through August, with indices soaring to 9 and enforcing a burn time of just 15 minutes. Following this, September presents a moderate risk with an index of 7, and a burn time of 25 minutes, before dropping again in October with a moderate index of 5. November and December then return to lower risks, emphasizing a UV Index of 2 and 1, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. To minimize the risk of UV-related harm, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Harbor | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |