Low
No protection needed
If you plan to spend some time outside in New York City, New York, it might be a good idea before going out to check the UV Index together with the temperature and the weather forecast. Even if the weather feels cool or comfortable, there can still be strong ultraviolet radiation, especially around midday.
The UV Index available in New York City gives a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun; the higher the figure, the greater the likelihood that unprotected skin will be affected by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This index varies from day to day and from season to season, so the conditions today may be very different from those of yesterday.
In late spring and summer New York City often has high levels of UV radiation, particularly around midday when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This is generally the time when outdoor sun exposure should be given the most attention. Although UV levels are usually lower in fall and winter they do not vanish altogether. You can still be exposed to ultraviolet radiation on a bright winter day.
UV intensity isn't always accurately reflected by temperature. For example, in Manhattan you can have a cool morning when the temperature seems comfortable, even though the UV levels rise considerably as the morning goes on. Moreover, cloud cover can cause confusion. Although clouds may cut down part of the UV radiation they don't always stop it completely.
Which is why it is more useful to check the UV Index in New York City today than just to look at whether the sky is sunny. When you plan on being outdoors for several hours, the hourly forecast will indicate when UV levels are expected to reach their peak.
This is especially useful for the kind of things you do around the city. For example, you could be walking through Central Park, having a seat outside at a café, cycling along the Hudson River, paying a visit to a rooftop, or just strolling around different neighbourhoods on foot. If the UV Index is high, then spending a bit of time in the shade and using some basic sun protection can make an afternoon spent outside more comfortable.
The UV Index for each hour in New York City can also assist you in deciding the best time for your outdoor activities. UV levels are usually lower in the early morning and in the later afternoon than they are at solar noon. If you can adjust your schedule, being aware of when the sun is at its strongest will help you make your plans accordingly.
The fact that New York has four distinct seasons makes the UV pattern stand out clearly. In summer the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky, whereas in winter the days are shorter and the UV radiation is generally weaker. Surprisingly strong UV levels can still occur on clear days in spring and at the beginning of autumn, particularly around midday.
Before you go out in New York City, stop and have a look at the New York City UV Index for today. No matter what you're doing, such as taking a walk, exercising outside, visiting places of interest, spending time in a park or just commuting around the city, being aware of the UV level will help you to better understand what the sun will be like.
Look up the current New York City UV Index and the hourly UV forecast to find out when the UV levels are expected to be at their strongest and then plan your time spent outdoors accordingly.