Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Maine, where the beauty of summer can sometimes mask hidden dangers. As the sun rises higher in the sky, so do the UV levels, reaching a peak of 8 by midday—an intensity that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if precautions aren't taken. Maine's Dfb climate means that while it enjoys lush greenery and cool summers, the UV exposure, particularly during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, can be significant. By staying informed about the day's UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and protect your skin's health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 5, signaling an increase in UV exposure. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM, hitting a robust 8, where caution is advised, especially for outdoor activities. The intensity remains high at 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, encouraging sun protection measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 6 at 3:00 PM, then further to 3 by 5:00 PM. Finally, as the day winds down, the UV Index settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, reflecting a much safer environment for evening activities. Enjoy the sun, but remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks of skin damage from sun exposure. The low-risk months are January and December, with UV Index levels of 2, allowing for about 45 minutes of safe sun exposure. As we move into early spring, February and March show a moderate index of 4 and 5, respectively, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months notably occur from April to August, peaking in June with a UV Index of 10, and requiring sunscreen application and minimal exposure after just 15 minutes. September dips to a high level of 7, while October and November present a moderate risk. Visitors and residents should take precautions, particularly during peak summer months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |