UV Index in Monterey, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Monterey, United States, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index provides essential information about the sun's intensity, helping you gauge the risk of overexposure during the day. With Monterey's cool-summer Mediterranean climate, UV exposure can still pose significant risks, particularly during peak hours when levels reach 11—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely!

Hourly UV Index in Monterey

The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a more intense 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at an alarming 11 at 1:00 PM, indicating severe UV exposure. This high risk is only slightly alleviated in the following hours, where it drops to 10 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreases to 4 by 5:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index dips to low levels of 2 at 6:00 PM and returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the midday hours, adequate sun protection is crucial to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays!

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	9	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 Monterey

Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to August when the UV Index reaches its peak at 11, categorized as extreme. March and April also feature very high levels, making these months crucial for sun safety awareness. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during this period, applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. In contrast, the months of January, November, and December present a moderate UV Index of 3 to 5, allowing for more relaxed precautions, though it's still important to remain mindful of sun exposure. Always check local UV forecasts and adjust your sun safety practices accordingly to protect your skin year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Monterey, United States

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Monterey 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.

Monterey'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
Monterey	3	6	8	10	11	11	11	10	9	7	5	3
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