Does Manhattan need sun protection in winter?

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

Can you burn on a cool day in Manhattan?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Manhattan can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Manhattan today

Inland Manhattan (MS) is 33.3° south. Without sea haze, January UV commonly runs 10–12 (very high to extreme), and a cool morning is no reason to skip sunscreen. This is warm-temperate America: a long protection season from spring through fall, with clear winter days that can still burn.

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

Today and tomorrow in Manhattan

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Manhattan. 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 day in Manhattan can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Manhattan needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Manhattan typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

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 Manhattan need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Manhattan that is typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Manhattan need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Manhattan often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Can you burn on a cool day in Manhattan?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Manhattan can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.