UV Index in Charleston

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
0
Low
UV Index
🌡️
23°C
Temperature
🌧️
Light drizzle
Conditions
☀️
Peak Tanning Window 1PM • UV 8

Hourly UV Forecast

☀️ Excellent tanning conditions • 11AM–6PM • 25°C • 10 km/h 🌬️
0
6AM
0
7AM
1
8AM
2
9AM
3
10AM
4
11AM
6
12PM
8
1PM
6
2PM
7
3PM
5
4PM
5
5PM
3
6PM
2
7PM
1
8PM
0
9PM
Low 0–2 Moderate 3–5 High 6–7 Very High 8–10 Extreme 11+

16-Day UV Forecast

8
Mon 1
Excellent
5
Tue 2
Excellent
8
Wed 3
Excellent
8
Thu 4
Excellent
8
Fri 5
Excellent
8
Sat 6
Excellent
7
Sun 7
Excellent
7
Mon 8
Excellent
8
Tue 9
Excellent
8
Wed 10
Excellent
7
Thu 11
Excellent
6
Fri 12
Excellent
7
Sat 13
Excellent
7
Sun 14
Good
8
Mon 15
Excellent
0
Tue 16
Excellent

Location & Climate

Charleston boasts a subtropical climate with strong UV rays present year-round, making tanning a year-round possibility, though summer humidity can be high. Find your perfect tanning spot on Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island, ideally during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday peak intensity.

Tanning Tips

Charleston enjoys strong UV from spring through fall. Peak tanning season runs March to November, with UV often exceeding 8.

Weather data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)

Monthly UV Index in Charleston

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
6
Feb
6
Mar
7
Apr
8
May
9
Jun
10
Jul
10
Aug
10
Sep
9
Oct
8
Nov
7
Dec
6
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Charleston

Based on average UV levels, the best months for tanning in Charleston are:

March Great April Great May Excellent June Excellent July Excellent August Excellent September Excellent October Great November Great

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Related Guides

Tanning in UV 9-10+ → Aggressive Tanning — What to Know → Safe Tanning Tips → Best Time of Day to Tan → How to Get Rid of a Tan →

Tanning Tools & Calculators

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Tanning Time Calculator

Calculate your ideal tanning time based on skin type and UV index

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Sunburn Calculator

Find out how long until you burn based on your skin type and current UV

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Skin Type Quiz

Discover your Fitzpatrick skin type and get personalized tanning advice

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Tanning Routine Creator

Build a personalized tanning plan based on your skin, UV, and experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV index in Charleston right now?
The current UV index in Charleston is shown in the live weather section above. UV levels change throughout the day, typically peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM local time.
What is the best month to tan in Charleston?
The best months for tanning in Charleston are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, when average UV levels reach 7 or higher.
How long should I tan in Charleston?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 9, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 17 minutes per session. Use our Tanning Calculator for personalized recommendations.
Is it safe to tan in UV index 10?
UV index 10 is classified as Very High. Very High — avoid prolonged sun exposure. Short tanning sessions with SPF 50+ recommended.
When is the peak UV time in Charleston?
UV levels in Charleston typically peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time. The exact peak depends on the season, cloud cover, and altitude.

UV Index in Nearby Cities

10
Sullivan's Island
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Folly Beach
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Isle of Palms
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Kiawah Island
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Edisto Beach
Avg. Peak UV
› 10
Hunting Island
Avg. Peak UV
›

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