UV Index in Cayucos, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Staying informed about the UV Index in Cayucos, United States is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours. In this coastal town known for its mild, Mediterranean climate, the UV Index can soar, reaching highs of 12 around noon, highlighting the need for safety precautions. Whether you’re enjoying the sun-kissed beaches or exploring the scenic coastline, being aware of the UV Index empowers you to take proactive measures against harmful UV rays.

Hourly UV Index in Cayucos

The UV Index today showcases a striking climb in intensity as the sun rises, starting from a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. As the morning unfolds, the index steadily elevates, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM before peaking at a blistering 12 at 1:00 PM—the most dangerous time for exposure. The afternoon shows a slight decline, with values tapering from 11 at 2:00 PM back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during the peak hours when the risk of harmful UV radiation is at its highest. Remember to protect your skin and seek shade if you'll be outdoors!

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	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cayucos

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily from March to September. The months of May to August exhibit dangerous levels of UV exposure, peaking at an extreme index of 12 in June, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, particularly during midday hours when UV radiation is most intense. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade whenever possible. In contrast, January, February, and December present a lower risk, characterized by a moderate UV index, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of around 30 minutes. However, vigilance is still advisable year-round to protect against skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cayucos, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cayucos 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.

Cayucos'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
Los Angeles UVI	4	6	8	9	10	11	11	10	10	7	5	4
Cayucos	4	5	8	9	11	12	11	11	9	7	5	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5