When does Padgett Island need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Padgett Island that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.

Does Padgett Island need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 26.8°N, winter middays in Padgett Island still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.

Does the water make UV worse in Padgett Island?

It can. Sand and water 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 Padgett Island today

Island Padgett Island (FL) sits at 26.8°S. Open water lifts the UV dose on top of a sky reading that commonly hits 11–13 (extreme) in January. This is subtropical sun: protection weather for much of the year, with winter middays that still often reach 3 or more.

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

Today and tomorrow in Padgett Island

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Padgett Island. 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 island day in Padgett Island can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Padgett Island needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Padgett Island most of the year, including many winter middays. With water on more than one side, reflection is the default, not a beach-only problem.

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 Padgett Island need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Padgett Island that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Padgett Island need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 26.8°N, winter middays in Padgett Island still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.
Does the water make UV worse in Padgett Island?: It can. Sand and water 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.