UV Index Today in West Palm Beach, 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.

West Palm Beach's UV Climate

West Palm Beach faces Palm Beach island across the Intracoastal's Lake Worth Lagoon, in a subtropical zone where the UV season never truly closes. The city's outdoor axis — the Clematis Street and waterfront district, Clear Lake paddleboarders, and a golf density among the highest in America — operates year-round, with the busiest visitor months landing in the winter dry season when the sun still reads moderate-to-high at midday.

Average Annual UV Index

8.1

Peak UV Season

March - October

Sunny Days per Year

235

Typical UV Index by Season in West Palm Beach

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 (7-9) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Moderate to High (5-6) 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 Palm Beach County:

UV and Weather in Palm Beach County

Learn about Palm Beach 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

West Palm Beach's tropical climate delivers extreme summer UV of 10-11 and keeps winter midday values around 5-6 — the kind of 'off-season' sun that outburns a northern June. The dry season (November through April) is also the sunny season, so the months when snowbirds and tourists arrive combine maximum sunshine frequency with UV that their skin isn't conditioned for.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Very High to Extreme (9-11)
  • Spring/Fall: High to Very High (7-9)
  • Winter: Moderate to High (5-6)
  • 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

Wet-season days run hot and bright until afternoon storms build off the Everglades and sweep east, usually after the peak UV window has passed. Winter delivers week after week of dry, breezy, cloud-free weather — flawless golf and boating conditions under a midday sun that quietly maintains burn-capable UV. The lagoon and nearby Atlantic add water reflection to waterfront hours in every season.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in West Palm Beach

What is the UV index in West Palm Beach today?

The live UV index for West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. West Palm Beach'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 West Palm Beach?

Summer days in West Palm Beach typically reach Very High to Extreme (9-11). Spring and fall usually bring High to Very High (7-9), while winter values are typically Moderate to High (5-6).

Do I need sunscreen in West Palm Beach during winter?

Yes — winter midday UV in West Palm Beach reaches levels that burn unprotected skin, so daily sunscreen applies in every month of the year.

How sunny is West Palm Beach compared to other cities?

West Palm Beach averages about 235 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 8.1.