When does New York need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In New York 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 New York need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in New York 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 New York?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in New York 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 New York today

New York's concrete canyons offer patchy shade, but rooftops, riverside paths and Central Park still stack up serious midday UV from late spring through early fall. A breezy day on the Hudson does not mean the index is low.

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

Today and tomorrow in New York

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

When New York needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from April through October in New York, and on any clear day the UV index reaches 3 or above.

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.

Where the UV adds up in New York

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

Central Park loop and the Great Lawn
Brooklyn Bridge and East River paths
Coney Island and Rockaway beaches
Governors Island ferry days

The UV scale at a glance

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

Frequently asked questions

When does New York need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In New York 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 New York need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in New York 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 New York?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in New York 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.