UV Index in South Padre Island, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun-soaked beaches of South Padre Island, United States. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health. With its humid subtropical climate, South Padre Island often sees elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when indices can reach a high of 12. As you plan your beach days, remember to check the UV Index regularly to ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin while enjoying this beautiful coastal paradise.

Hourly UV Index in South Padre Island

The UV Index throughout the day presents a dramatic rise and fall in sun exposure. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index swiftly climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the UV index skyrockets to a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, indicating high levels of UV radiation. Even in the afternoon, the index remains noteworthy: 11 at 2:00 PM and 10 at 3:00 PM. As the day transitions towards evening, levels dip gradually to 4 by 5:00 PM, and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	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 South Padre Island

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. The most critical months are April through August, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 11-12 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present lower risk with a high UV Index of 6-7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours. Always stay informed and prioritize skin safety to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for South Padre Island, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in South Padre Island 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.

South Padre Island'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
South Padre Island	6	9	10	11	12	12	12	12	11	10	7	6