Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ocean Shores, Washington. With its charming coastline and vibrant outdoor activities, awareness of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. The UV Index varies throughout the day, peaking at an 8 around noon, indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Given Ocean Shores’ Csb climate—characterized by mild, wet summers and cool winters—many outdoor enthusiasts may not realize that even in non-summer months, UV exposure can still pose significant risks. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying all that this beautiful coastal town has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. The high-risk months for UV radiation are from May to August, where the UV Index reaches very high levels (9) for three consecutive months. In these months, the recommended burn time is as low as 15 minutes, indicating a critical need for sun protection. As spring approaches, the UV Index increases from a low of 2 in January to a high of 6 in April, where precautions should start to be taken seriously. By September, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 7, but remains in the high category. Visitors and residents should therefore remain vigilant and adopt sun safety measures during peak months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially when outdoor activities are planned.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Shores | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 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 |