What is the UV index today?
Consult today's UV index to see whether sun exposure is safe or if precautions are needed.
Today's UV index is low. You can safely enjoy being outside!
Real-Time UV Index Forecast
Explore how ultraviolet radiation rises and falls across the day so you can plan the safest times to be outside.
Modelled from today's peak UV — live hourly data is temporarily unavailable.
Safe Exposure Time (Time to Burn)
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin by its response to sun exposure. Estimated minutes before burning at the current UV index:
| Skin Type | Colour | Typical Features | Tanning Ability | Time to Burn (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Red or blond hair; light-colored eyes; freckles likely | Always burns, does not tan | ∞ | |
| II | Light eyes; light hair | Burns easily, tans poorly | ∞ | |
| III | Any eye or hair color (very common skin type) | Tans after initial burn | ∞ | |
| IV | Dark brown hair; medium to heavy pigmentation | Burns minimally, tans easily | ∞ | |
| V | Dark hair; rarely sun sensitive | Rarely burns, tans darkly easily | ∞ | |
| VI | N/A | Never burns, always tans darkly | ∞ |
UV Reflection from Surfaces
Reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and metal raise the effective UV you receive (see source).
| Material | Reflected UV (%) | Effective UV Index | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| New black roadway (Asphalt) | 4.1% | 0 | |
| Old grey roadway (Asphalt) | 8.9% | 0 | |
| Footpath (Concrete) | 10.1% | 0 | |
| Grasslands (Grass) | 1.2% | 0 | |
| Lawn (Grass) | 3.5% | 0 | |
| Fiberglass boat deck | 9.1% | 0 | |
| White house paint | 22% | 0 | |
| Wet beach sand | 7.1% | 0 | |
| Dry beach sand | 16.5% | 0 | |
| Clay/humus (Soil) | 5% | 0 | |
| Open water | 3.3% | 0 | |
| Open ocean | 8% | 0 | |
| Sea surf/white foam | 27.5% | 0 | |
| Snow old/new | 69% | 0 | |
| Wood boat deck | 6.6% | 0 |
Required Sunlight for Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Suggested minutes of sun exposure for sufficient vitamin D at the current UV level (see source).
| Skin Type | Exposure Time (Current UV: Low) |
|---|---|
| I | 15-20m |
| II | 20-30m |
| III | 30-40m |
| IV | 40-60m |
| V | 60-80m |
| VI | - |
Monthly UV Index Trend (Past Year)
Monthly UV fluctuations over the past year help you spot the lower-risk months for outdoor activities.
Popular Cities
What is the UV Index?
UV index meaning
The UV Index measures the level of ultraviolet radiation at the Earth's surface, developed by the World Health Organization, UNEP and the WMO. It gives a simple indication of the potential for sunburn and skin damage.
UV index ranges (0 to 11+)
The scale runs from 0 to 11+, where higher values mean greater risk: Low (0–2), Moderate (3–5), High (6–7), Very High (8–10), Extreme (11+). Protection matters most during peak hours, typically 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Geographic location, time of day, season, altitude and cloud cover all affect the UV Index. It is a key tool for reducing the incidence of skin cancer and other UV-related harm.
Personalized UV Exposure Advice
Understanding your skin type
- Type I: Very fair skin, always burns, never tans.
- Type II: Fair skin, burns easily, tans with difficulty.
- Type III: Medium skin, may burn, tans gradually.
- Type IV: Olive skin, rarely burns, tans easily.
- Type V: Brown skin, very rarely burns, tans very easily.
- Type VI: Dark skin, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Considering your location
- Latitude: UV exposure decreases further from the equator.
- Altitude: Higher altitude means higher UV levels.
- Reflection: Water, snow and sand reflect UV and increase exposure.
Protective measures
- Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+; reapply every two hours.
- Clothing: Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Timing: Avoid peak sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common UV index questions.
We are constantly looking to improve and expand our services based on user needs and feedback. Keep an eye on our updates and announcements for new features.
It informs people about the strength of the sun's UV rays, allowing them to take appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and eye damage.
The UV index scale typically ranges from 0 to 11 or higher. The higher the index value, the greater the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Several factors can influence the UV index, including time of day, altitude, cloud cover, ozone concentration, and the amount of sun-reflecting surfaces, such as water or snow.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses. Avoid outdoor activities during peak UV times, typically from 10 am to 4 pm.
No, UV radiation can be harmful year-round. Even during winter or on cloudy days, UV radiation can still be at harmful levels, especially at high altitudes or when reflected off snow or ice.
uvindex.io provides real-time information about the UV index in various locations, helping users understand and protect against the risks of UV radiation.
uvindex.io gathers data from reliable sources, including satellite readings, weather stations, and meteorological organizations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Yes, uvindex.io is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring users can check the UV index on the go.
