UV Index Today in Raleigh, 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.

Raleigh's UV Climate

Raleigh anchors North Carolina's Research Triangle in the rolling Piedmont, where a southern latitude and generous sunshine produce a long high-UV season stretching from mid-spring into early fall. The city's greenway network, university campuses, and outdoor-heavy culture mean residents log substantial sun time, and the mild climate makes it easy to underestimate exposure during shoulder-season months like April and October.

Average Annual UV Index

7.0

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

213

Typical UV Index by Season in Raleigh

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 Wake County:

UV and Weather in Wake County

Learn about Wake 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

Raleigh's humid subtropical climate brings hot summers and mild, changeable winters. Midday UV index values reach 9-10 on clear days from May through August and remain in the high range through September. Humidity builds through the summer, and while afternoon haze is common, it filters visible light far more than UV — a clear-looking summer sky and a milky one deliver similar burn risk.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Raleigh 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 in Raleigh alternates between Bermuda-high sunshine and afternoon thunderstorm clusters, with the morning-to-early-afternoon window almost always sun-exposed. Hurricanes and tropical remnants occasionally bring extended cloud cover in late summer. Winters mix cold rain with bright, mild spells where midday UV touches the moderate range — enough to matter for golfers and hikers taking advantage of 60-degree January days.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Raleigh

What is the UV index in Raleigh today?

The live UV index for Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Raleigh'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 Raleigh?

Summer days in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during winter?

Raleigh's mild winters invite outdoor activity, and midday UV on clear days can reach the moderate range, so sunscreen is sensible for longer outings even in January.

How sunny is Raleigh compared to other cities?

Raleigh averages about 213 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.0.