UV Index Today in Charleston, South Carolina

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.

Charleston's UV Climate

Charleston's historic peninsula and surrounding sea islands — Sullivan's, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach — sit at a low coastal latitude where the sun turns fierce by mid-spring. The city's walking culture is part of the exposure story: visitors spend hours on foot along the Battery and King Street with limited shade, while the beach communities add sand and water reflection. The famous Lowcountry humidity produces hazy skies that feel protective but barely dent the UV.

Average Annual UV Index

7.5

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

209

Typical UV Index by Season in Charleston

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High (9-10) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall Moderate to High (5-8) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Low to Moderate (2-4) 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 Charleston County:

UV and Weather in Charleston County

Learn about Charleston 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

Charleston's humid subtropical climate brings very high summer UV, with midday index values of 9-10 from May through August and a high-UV season stretching April into September. The maritime haze scatters visible light — that soft Lowcountry glow — while transmitting most UV, a combination that produces burns on days that never looked harsh. Winters are mild, keeping moderate midday UV in play for golf and harbor days.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Very High (9-10)
  • Spring/Fall: Moderate to High (5-8)
  • Winter: Low to Moderate (2-4)
  • 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 follows the sea-breeze script: steamy sunny mornings, then afternoon thunderstorms that fire inland and sometimes drift back over the peninsula after peak hours. Hurricane season occasionally interrupts with extended cloud, but most late-summer days open bright. Winter is Charleston's understated gem — mild, often brilliantly clear days where tourists walk for hours under a moderate midday sun they never think about.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Charleston

What is the UV index in Charleston today?

The live UV index for Charleston, SC 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 Charleston?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Charleston's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Very High (9-10).

How high does the UV index get in Charleston?

Summer days in Charleston typically reach Very High (9-10). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate to High (5-8), while winter values are typically Low to Moderate (2-4).

Do I need sunscreen in Charleston during winter?

Yes for long outdoor days — Charleston's clear winter afternoons reach moderate UV, and all-day walking tours add up more exposure than people expect.

How sunny is Charleston compared to other cities?

Charleston averages about 209 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.5.