UV Index Today in Myrtle Beach, 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.

Myrtle Beach's UV Climate

Myrtle Beach is built around sun exposure: sixty miles of Grand Strand coastline draw close to twenty million visitors a year, most of them spending full days on open sand during the peak UV months. Beach environments stack the deck against skin — direct sun from above, reflected UV from sand and surf below, and cooling ocean breezes that hide the burn until it's done. Vacationers routinely receive more UV in a single beach week here than in months back home.

Average Annual UV Index

7.4

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

215

Typical UV Index by Season in Myrtle Beach

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 Horry County:

UV and Weather in Horry County

Learn about Horry 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

Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate moderated by the Atlantic. Summer midday UV index values run 9-10, and the beach season effectively spans April through October, with high-range UV across that entire window. Sea breezes and passing clouds provide psychological relief but little actual protection — sand reflects roughly 15% of UV and water glare adds more, pushing effective beach exposure above the forecast number.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Myrtle Beach 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 days follow a coastal rhythm of bright mornings, hot afternoons, and scattered late-day thunderstorms that rarely spoil the peak beach hours. Tropical systems occasionally brush the Grand Strand in late summer with a day or two of heavy cloud. Winters are mild and often sunny — golfers on the area's hundred-plus courses still accumulate meaningful UV on clear January afternoons when readings reach the moderate range.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Myrtle Beach

What is the UV index in Myrtle Beach today?

The live UV index for Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach?

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

Summer days in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach during winter?

For beach walks and golf on clear winter days, yes — midday UV reaches the moderate range, and reflection off sand adds to it.

How sunny is Myrtle Beach compared to other cities?

Myrtle Beach averages about 215 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.4.