Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Carmel, United States, a charming locale known for its picturesque coastlines and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. As UV levels can reach a maximum of 10 during midday, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With Carmel's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and variable weather, exposure risks can fluctuate, making it all the more important to stay informed about daily UV conditions. By checking the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for early risers. As the day progresses, the sun climbs higher, pushing the index to 3 by 8:00 AM, and reaching a moderate 5 by 9:00 AM. 10:00 AM marks a turning point with a significant jump to 7, and by 11:00 AM, it peaks at an impressive 9. The intensity continues to soar, hitting a maximum of 10 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, and further declining to 5 by 4:00 PM. As day transitions into evening, the UV Index gradually recedes, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun's rays are strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. May and June stand out as the months with the highest risk, featuring very high UV Index values of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for a burn time as short as 15 minutes. From April to August, the UV exposure is particularly concerning, with values of 7 or more, categorizing these months as high to very high risk for skin damage. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its peak. As we transition into fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, becoming low in January and December, providing a reprieve from intense sun exposure and longer burn times of 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |