Does Old River need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Old 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 Old 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 Old River today

River Old River (CA) is 35.3° south. Time on the water reflects ultraviolet back up, and January skies commonly run 9–11 (very high to extreme). This is warm-temperate America: a long protection season from spring through fall, with clear winter days that can still burn.

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

Today and tomorrow in Old River

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Old 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 Old River can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Old River needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Old River typically from April through October, and any other 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 Old River need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Old River that is typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Old River need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Old 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 Old 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.