UV Index Today

UV Index in Raleigh, North Carolina Today

Live UV index and hourly forecast for Raleigh. Check the current level before you head out, see when the sun peaks today, and know exactly what protection you need.

2 UV Index
Low

Low danger from the sun for the average person.

You can safely enjoy being outside. Sunglasses on bright days are enough for most people.

UV peaks at 10 (Extreme) around 1 PM EDT.

Hourly UV forecast

Times shown in Raleigh local time (EDT). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.

What the UV index means in Raleigh

The UV index is a simple 0 to 11+ scale for the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin can burn. In Raleigh, like everywhere, the reading rises and falls through the day and shifts with the seasons, cloud cover, and how high the sun sits in the sky.

Use the live reading at the top of this page to decide what you need right now. As a rule of thumb: at UV 3 or above, wear sunscreen and a hat; at UV 6 and above, add shade during the middle of the day; at UV 8 and above, treat midday sun with real caution.

UV in Raleigh: geography and seasons

Latitude
35.8° N
Elevation
96 m (315 ft)
Strongest UV
late spring and summer (May-August)

At 35.8° N, Raleigh has a clear seasonal swing: UV is high around June and July when the sun rides high in the sky, and much lower in winter when it stays low. Raleigh sits near sea level (96 m), so altitude adds little to its UV.

Sources: coordinates and elevation from GeoNames; UV, altitude, and latitude guidance from the World Health Organization and the US EPA.

Sun-safety tips for Raleigh

  • Check the current UV index above before spending time outdoors.
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours.
  • Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV is strongest.
  • Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Remember that UV passes through light cloud and reflects off water, sand, and snow.

UV index in nearby cities

Cary Apex Durham Chapel Hill Wilson Fayetteville

Learn more about UV

What is the UV index? UV index scale and chart Best time to avoid the sun Best UV index for tanning UV index and vitamin D Sunscreen and SPF guide

Raleigh UV index FAQ

What is the UV index in Raleigh today?

It changes through the day, from near zero at sunrise to a peak in the early afternoon. The live reading and hourly forecast above show today's values for Raleigh.

When is UV highest in Raleigh?

Usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., peaking around midday. The forecast bars above mark today's peak hour.

Do I need sunscreen in Raleigh?

Once UV hits 3 or higher, yes. Use SPF 30+ on exposed skin, add a hat and sunglasses, and limit midday sun on high-UV days.

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