UV Index Today in Clearwater, 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.

Clearwater's UV Climate

Clearwater occupies the Pinellas peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and its signature attraction — the powder-white quartz sand of Clearwater Beach — is also a UV amplifier, reflecting a substantial share of sunlight back onto beachgoers. Regularly ranked among America's best beaches, it draws heavy crowds through a beach season that runs most of the year, and the combination of subtropical sun, bright sand, and water glare makes this one of Florida's highest-exposure environments.

Average Annual UV Index

8.0

Peak UV Season

March - October

Sunny Days per Year

244

Typical UV Index by Season in Clearwater

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 Pinellas County:

UV and Weather in Pinellas County

Learn about Pinellas 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

Clearwater's humid subtropical climate delivers very high to extreme UV from March through October, with summer midday readings of 10-11. The famous white sand matters more than most visitors realize: fine quartz reflects more UV than darker sand, effectively raising exposure above the forecast index for anyone on the beach. Winter stays mild and bright, with midday UV holding in the moderate range 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 Clearwater 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

The Tampa Bay area's summer pattern is clockwork: brilliant mornings, a building sea breeze, then afternoon thunderstorms that fire after peak UV hours have passed. Red-sky sunsets get the photos, but it's the 10 AM to 2 PM window that does the damage. Winter cold fronts bring a day or two of cloud before clearing to dry, sparkling sunshine — prime tourist weather that still carries meaningful UV at midday.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Clearwater

What is the UV index in Clearwater today?

The live UV index for Clearwater, 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 Clearwater?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Clearwater'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 Clearwater?

Summer days in Clearwater 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 Clearwater during winter?

Yes. Clearwater's winter sun stays moderate at midday and the white sand reflects extra UV, so beach days need sunscreen in every season.

How sunny is Clearwater compared to other cities?

Clearwater averages about 244 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 8.0.