UV Index Today in Melbourne, Florida

Current UV
Today's Max

Hourly UV Forecast

low moderate high very high extreme

Surface Type

Reflective surfaces increase your UV exposure — snow reflects up to 90%, sand about 20%.

Safe Exposure Time

Estimated burn times based on the Fitzpatrick scale for skin color and today's maximum UV index of . Tap your skin type:

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Time until burn
With SPF 15*
With SPF 30*

*Assumes proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with reapplication every 2 hours. Estimates follow WHO guidance and satellite-derived data — see how our data works.

Sun Times

Dawn
Sunrise
Solar Noon
Sunset
Dusk
Day Length
Morning Golden Hour Ends
Evening Golden Hour

Important Safety Information

General Guidelines

These exposure times are estimates based on scientific research and should be used as general guidelines only. Individual responses to UV exposure may vary.

Affecting Factors

UV exposure is affected by: time of day, season, altitude, cloud cover, reflection from surfaces, and individual skin sensitivity.

Protection Tips

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM), wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and monitor the UV index regularly.

Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice, especially if you have a history of skin conditions or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Melbourne's UV Climate

Melbourne anchors Florida's Space Coast, where the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic barrier-island beaches put water — and water-reflected UV — at the center of daily life. Surfing culture runs deep here (the area produced Kelly Slater, from nearby Cocoa Beach), and surfers, anglers, and rocket-launch spectators all log long hours exposed on open water and sand where effective UV runs above the forecast number.

Average Annual UV Index

8.0

Peak UV Season

March - October

Sunny Days per Year

237

Typical UV Index by Season in Melbourne

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High to Extreme (9-11) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall High to Very High (6-9) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Moderate (3-5) Sunscreen for long midday exposure; more on snow

UV Index in Nearby Cities

Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities

Make the most of outdoor activities while staying safe in Brevard County:

UV and Weather in Brevard County

Learn about Brevard County's unique climate patterns, UV radiation levels, and how they affect your daily life. Enter your zip code for location-specific weather radar data and UV forecasts to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection.

Climate and UV Patterns

Melbourne's humid subtropical climate delivers very high to extreme UV from March through October, with summer midday values of 9-11. The barrier island geography doubles the exposure surfaces: ocean beaches on one side, the broad lagoon on the other, both adding reflection. Winters are among Florida's pleasantest, with moderate midday UV persisting through the coolest months.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Melbourne through the year:

  • Summer: Very High to Extreme (9-11)
  • Spring/Fall: High to Very High (6-9)
  • Winter: Moderate (3-5)
  • Peak UV hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Cloud cover can reduce UV by 20-40%, but does not eliminate it
  • Clear skies bring maximum UV exposure

Local Weather Patterns

Summer days start bright on the coast, with the sea breeze igniting inland thunderstorms by mid-afternoon that sometimes drift back east after peak UV hours. Launch viewing from riverside parks means standing in open sun, often for delayed countdowns that stretch a planned hour into three. Winter is dry-season bright, and the fishing and pickleball crowds accumulate steady moderate-level UV all season.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Melbourne

What is the UV index in Melbourne today?

The live UV index for Melbourne, FL is shown at the top of this page and updates throughout the day, along with today's maximum and an hourly forecast.

When is the sun strongest in Melbourne?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Melbourne's peak UV season runs March - October, when the midday index typically reaches Very High to Extreme (9-11).

How high does the UV index get in Melbourne?

Summer days in Melbourne typically reach Very High to Extreme (9-11). Spring and fall usually bring High to Very High (6-9), while winter values are typically Moderate (3-5).

Do I need sunscreen in Melbourne during winter?

Yes. Space Coast winters stay bright with moderate midday UV, and water reflection on the lagoon and beaches adds to it — sunscreen is a year-round habit here.

How sunny is Melbourne compared to other cities?

Melbourne averages about 237 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 8.0.