UV Index Today in Wilmington, North Carolina

Current UV
Today's Max

Hourly UV Forecast

low moderate high very high extreme

Surface Type

Reflective surfaces increase your UV exposure — snow reflects up to 90%, sand about 20%.

Safe Exposure Time

Estimated burn times based on the Fitzpatrick scale for skin color and today's maximum UV index of . Tap your skin type:

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Time until burn
With SPF 15*
With SPF 30*

*Assumes proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with reapplication every 2 hours. Estimates follow WHO guidance and satellite-derived data — see how our data works.

Sun Times

Dawn
Sunrise
Solar Noon
Sunset
Dusk
Day Length
Morning Golden Hour Ends
Evening Golden Hour

Important Safety Information

General Guidelines

These exposure times are estimates based on scientific research and should be used as general guidelines only. Individual responses to UV exposure may vary.

Affecting Factors

UV exposure is affected by: time of day, season, altitude, cloud cover, reflection from surfaces, and individual skin sensitivity.

Protection Tips

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM), wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and monitor the UV index regularly.

Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice, especially if you have a history of skin conditions or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Wilmington's UV Climate

Wilmington sits on the Cape Fear River in southeastern North Carolina, minutes from Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure beaches — a coastal position that shapes both its lifestyle and its UV exposure. The city's latitude puts it among the sunnier spots on the East Coast, and the local surf and beach culture keeps residents in high-exposure environments from spring through fall, where sand and water reflection push effective UV above forecast values.

Average Annual UV Index

7.3

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

213

Typical UV Index by Season in Wilmington

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High (8-10) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall Moderate to High (5-8) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Low to Moderate (2-4) Sunscreen for long midday exposure; more on snow

UV Index in Nearby Cities

Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities

Make the most of outdoor activities while staying safe in New Hanover County:

UV and Weather in New Hanover County

Learn about New Hanover County's unique climate patterns, UV radiation levels, and how they affect your daily life. Enter your zip code for location-specific weather radar data and UV forecasts to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection.

Climate and UV Patterns

Wilmington's humid subtropical climate features long, hot summers with midday UV index values of 9-10 from May through August. The maritime influence moderates temperature but not UV — beach days feel cooler than inland heat while delivering equal or higher exposure. Spring warms early on the coast, with high-range UV arriving by mid-April, ahead of when many residents start thinking about sun protection.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Wilmington through the year:

  • Summer: Very High (8-10)
  • Spring/Fall: Moderate to High (5-8)
  • Winter: Low to Moderate (2-4)
  • Peak UV hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Cloud cover can reduce UV by 20-40%, but does not eliminate it
  • Clear skies bring maximum UV exposure

Local Weather Patterns

Summer weather runs sunny and humid with afternoon sea-breeze thunderstorms that typically spare the prime morning-to-midday beach window. Wilmington sits in hurricane country, and late-summer tropical systems occasionally interrupt the sunshine with multi-day cloud and rain. Winters are mild and often bright; clear January days reach moderate UV at midday, relevant for the year-round surfers and riverwalk regulars.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Wilmington

What is the UV index in Wilmington today?

The live UV index for Wilmington, NC is shown at the top of this page and updates throughout the day, along with today's maximum and an hourly forecast.

When is the sun strongest in Wilmington?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Wilmington's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Very High (8-10).

How high does the UV index get in Wilmington?

Summer days in Wilmington typically reach Very High (8-10). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate to High (5-8), while winter values are typically Low to Moderate (2-4).

Do I need sunscreen in Wilmington during winter?

For beach and boating days in winter, yes — clear-day midday UV reaches the moderate range and water reflection adds more.

How sunny is Wilmington compared to other cities?

Wilmington averages about 213 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.3.