UV Index in Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Carmel-by-the-Sea is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health in this picturesque coastal town. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 11 during peak hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The temperate Csb climate here provides a unique blend of beautiful sunny days and potential UV exposure risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is most intense. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy Carmel’s stunning outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect their skin.

Hourly UV Index in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea'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
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