UV Index in Fort Walton Beach, United States

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Fort Walton Beach, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sunburns occurring quickly under high UV levels, awareness allows residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful Florida sun while minimizing risk. In this coastal paradise, the climate features warm, humid summers, resulting in elevated UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 12. With the sun's intensity ramping up quickly, taking proactive measures against the harmful effects of UV radiation is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage.

Hourly UV Index in Fort Walton Beach

The UV Index throughout the day presents a vivid picture of sun intensity. In the early morning, starting at 07:00, the index is a gentle 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. The real surge begins at 09:00, where it climbs to 4, reaching a peak of 12 around 13:00. Noteworthy are the hours between 11:00 and 14:00, when the index soars, hitting a maximum of 11 at 12:00 before slightly easing to 11 again by 14:00. As afternoon turns to evening, the UV levels decrease significantly, dropping to 8 by 15:00, and falling further to 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during midday hours when the UV radiation is at its strongest.

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:004moderate30 min
10:007high25 min
11:0010very high15 min
12:0011extreme10 min
13:0012extreme10 min
14:0011extreme10 min
15:008very high15 min
16:005moderate30 min
17:003moderate30 min
18:001low45 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Fort Walton Beach

Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with high-risk months primarily falling between February and August. Notably, April to July feature an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12, necessitating precautions to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes during peak hours. February and March present significant risks as well, with very high UV levels of 8 and 9, leading to burn times of only 15 minutes. To safeguard your skin, residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the year progresses, November and December offer lower UV levels, classified as high and moderate, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Fort Walton Beach, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Fort Walton Beach. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec589111111121110864
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Fort Walton Beach 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.
Fort Walton Beach's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Chicago UVI34689101098642
Brooklyn UVI35681010998642
New York City UVI35681010998642
Los Angeles UVI46891011111010754
Fort Walton Beach589111111121110864
Houston UVI589111112121110975