Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it provides essential information on sun exposure risks throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, which is especially important in regions like Carmel that can experience elevated UV exposure, particularly in the midday hours. With its mild Csb climate, residents experience varying UV levels that peak at 11 around midday, indicating a significant risk for harmful skin effects. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to enjoy this beautiful coastal town while safeguarding your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
The UV Index for today shows a dramatic rise as the sun ascends into the sky. Starting at a mild 1 by 07:00, the index gradually builds, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at an intense 11 at 13:00—a level where sun protection is crucial. From this pinnacle, the values start to decline, tapering off to 10 at 14:00 and then gradually decreasing through the afternoon and evening, with values of 6 at 16:00 and sliding down to 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly, and remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. From January to February, the UV Index is moderate at 4-5, with a burn time of about 30 minutes. However, by March, it escalates to 8 (very high), and remains at 9 in April. The peak risk occurs during the summer months of May through August, where the UV Index reaches a concerning 11 (extreme) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In September, the risk slightly diminishes to 9, then to 7 in October, and further down to moderate levels of 5 in November and 3 in December. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of May to August, ensuring to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and minimize sun exposure during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 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 |