UV Index in Monterey, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Monterey, United States, where the coastal climate can lead to unexpected sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As temperatures rise and the sun shines, knowing the daily UV Index helps you take the necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy Monterey's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities safely. Remember, even on cooler days, UV rays can still pose risks—stay informed and protect your skin!

Hourly UV Index in Monterey

The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of solar intensity, peaking dramatically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 11—a warning to seek shade and protect skin. Starting the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and escalating to 9 by 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits 11, indicating extreme conditions that persist for a solid three hours. Following this midday blast, it gracefully declines to 6 by 4:00 PM, before tapering off to a safer 1 by the evening. Remember to stay sun-smart 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	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	11	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 Monterey

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 Monterey, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Monterey 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.

Monterey'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
Monterey	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