UV Index in Honolulu, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Honolulu, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can empower you to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, especially in a region known for its warm, tropical climate and abundant sunshine. During the day, UV readings can soar to dangerous levels—peaking at 13 between noon and 1 PM—which means being UV-aware is essential for residents and visitors alike. With this knowledge, you can enjoy all that Honolulu has to offer, from its stunning beaches to outdoor adventures, while minimizing your risk of UV-related skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Honolulu

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity increases to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. However, it's not until 10:00 AM that the UV Index hits 8, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a soaring 13, making it crucial to take precautions if you're outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and sliding to 7 by 3:00 PM. By evening, the UV levels decrease significantly, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay safe and safeguard your skin during peak sun 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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	2	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Honolulu

The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, peaking at 13 during the summer months of June to August. This period is categorized as extreme, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes for unprotected skin, indicating a high risk for sunburn. Notably, January and February also present very high exposure levels, with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, but longer burn times of 15 minutes. As such, both visitors and residents should take proactive measures to protect themselves during these months, especially between March and September when the UV Index is at its most dangerous. Recommendations include wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Honolulu, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Honolulu 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.

Honolulu'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
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5
Honolulu	8	10	11	12	12	13	13	13	12	11	8	8