Does Mad River need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Mad River often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.

Does the water make UV worse in Mad River?

It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Mad River today

River Mad River (CA) is 40.5° south. Time on the water reflects ultraviolet back up, and January skies commonly run 8–10 (very high). This is cool-temperate America: summer UV still climbs into the very high band, and spring arrives before the weather feels hot.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Mad River

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Mad River. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Mad River can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Mad River needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Mad River typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. Time on the river reflects UV back up, so banks and boats need the same cover as a beach day.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Mad River need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Mad River that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Mad River need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Mad River often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Does the water make UV worse in Mad River?: It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.