Does Boston need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Boston often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.

Does the water make UV worse in Boston?

It can. Sand and water reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Boston today

Boston (MA) is a coastal suburb at 42.4°S. Clear-sky summer peaks are typically 8–10 (very high), and the same UV that burns on the sand is still there on a cool, windy arvo. This is cool-temperate America: summer UV still climbs into the very high band, and spring arrives before the weather feels hot.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Boston

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Boston. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy beach day in Boston can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Boston needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Boston typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. On the water or the sand, reflection can lift your dose even when the forecast UV already looks high.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Boston need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Boston that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Boston need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Boston often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Does the water make UV worse in Boston?: It can. Sand and water reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.