Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Surfside Beach, United States, as it helps protect against harmful sun exposure. Understanding varying UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely. Nestled in a Cfa climate zone, Surfside Beach typically experiences high UV exposure, peaking at an intensity of 12 around midday. Recognizing these levels empowers you to take preventative measures against UV damage, ensuring your beach days are both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, as the morning progresses, a gradual increase is observed, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with an alarming 11, and it hits its maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The UV levels then begin to taper off, descending to 9 by 3:00 PM and dropping further to 2 by 6:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index returns to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us that while midday sun can be fierce, caution is advised at peak hours for skin safety.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, while February and March jump to 8 and 9, respectively, indicating very high exposure risks with short burn times of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, but October remains notably high at 9, followed by November with a high category of 7. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months of April through September and remain vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Surfside Beach | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |