UV Index in Morro Bay, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Morro Bay, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during the midday hours, staying informed about these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Morro Bay's mild Csb climate presents unique UV exposure risks, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to be vigilant. Whether you're enjoying the picturesque coastline or exploring the charming town, knowing the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Morro Bay

At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected 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	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	8	very high	15 min
16:00	5	moderate	30 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Morro Bay

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months are March through August, featuring very high to extreme UV Index values, particularly in June and July, when the index reaches 12 and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. To mitigate the risk of UV-related skin damage, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, from November to February, the UV Index decreases to moderate levels, allowing for more relaxed outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes in most cases. However, vigilance remains essential year-round to ensure skin health.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Morro Bay, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Morro Bay 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.

Morro Bay'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
Morro Bay	4	5	8	9	10	12	12	11	9	7	5	3
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5