UV Index in Aptos, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Aptos, California is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With a climate classified as Csb, residents and visitors face varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if precautions are not taken. By familiarizing yourself with the daily UV levels, especially during the sunniest hours—often reaching 11 between 1 PM and 2 PM—you can make informed decisions about sun protection. Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful Aptos sunshine while safeguarding your skin health!

Hourly UV Index in Aptos

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually escalating throughout the morning. By 10:00, it peaks at a robust 6, and then skyrockets to its maximum of 11 by 13:00—a time when protective measures become essential. The intensity starts to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and further retreating to a gentle 1 by evening. It's a classic case of the sun's power, reminding us to stay vigilant and shield ourselves during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	8	very high	15 min
16:00	6	high	25 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Aptos

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the late spring and summer months. March marks the start of increased UV intensity, reaching 8, categorizing it as very high, while April sees a further rise to 9. The peak UV index of 11, indicating an extreme exposure category, occurs from May to July, with the shortest burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer wanes, August and September still reflect high UV levels of 10 and 9, respectively. In contrast, January, November, and December are characterized by lower UV indices of 4, 5, and 3, which fall into the moderate category, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes and 25 minutes in October. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions, particularly from March through September when UV levels are at their most hazardous, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Aptos, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Aptos. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Aptos, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Aptos UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Aptos compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Aptos's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Chicago UVI	3	4	6	8	9	10	10	9	8	6	4	2
Brooklyn UVI	3	5	6	8	10	10	9	9	8	6	4	2
New York City UVI	3	5	6	8	10	10	9	9	8	6	4	2
Aptos	4	5	8	9	11	11	11	10	9	7	5	3
Los Angeles UVI	4	6	8	9	10	11	11	10	10	7	5	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5