What is the Washington UV index scale today?
Consult the Washington UV index today to determine whether sun exposure is safe or if precautions should be taken.
The current Washington UV index is low, registering at 0.0291. Enjoy outdoor activities safely, as the sun's rays are not very strong.
2026-07-24 00:14 UTC
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What's the UV right now in other cities of United-States (today's UV rays)
Washington Real-Time UV Index Forecast Chart (Hourly Washington UV Index Chart)
Explore the Washington UV index forecast chart for the coming hours to stay informed about the varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day.
Safe Exposure Time Calculation (Time to Burn Chart)
The most commonly used scheme to classify a person's skin type by their response to sun exposure — the degree of burning and tanning — was developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD. As a matter of fact, even the skin colours of Emoji characters are based on the Fitzpatrick scale.
| Skin Type | Color | Typical Features | Tanning Ability | Time to Burn (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Red or blond hair; light-colored eyes; freckles likely | Always burns, does not tan | 5727.38 | |
| II | Light eyes; light hair | Burns easily, tans poorly | 6872.85 | |
| III | Any eye or hair color (very common skin type) | Tans after initial burn | 9163.8 | |
| IV | Dark brown hair; medium to heavy pigmentation | Burns minimally, tans easily | 11454.75 | |
| V | Dark hair; rarely sun sensitive | Rarely burns, tans darkly easily | 18327.61 | |
| VI | N/A | Never burns, always tans darkly | 34364.26 |
Ultraviolet Radiation Reflection from Surfaces
Highly reflective surfaces — including concrete, snow, glass, water and polished metals — can increase the surrounding levels of solar UV (see source).
| Material | Reflected Solar UV Rays (%) | Effective UV Index | UV Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| New black roadway (Asphalt) | 4.1% | 0.03 | |
| Old grey roadway (Asphalt) | 8.9% | 0.03 | |
| Footpath (Concrete) | 10.1% | 0.03 | |
| Grasslands (Grass) | 1.2% | 0.03 | |
| Lawn (Grass) | 3.5% | 0.03 | |
| Fiberglass boat deck | 9.1% | 0.03 | |
| White house paint | 22% | 0.04 | |
| Wet beach sand | 7.1% | 0.03 | |
| Dry beach sand | 16.5% | 0.03 | |
| Clay/humus (Soil) | 5% | 0.03 | |
| Open water | 3.3% | 0.03 | |
| Open ocean | 8% | 0.03 | |
| Sea surf/white foam | 27.5% | 0.04 | |
| Snow old/new | 69% | 0.05 | |
| Wood boat deck | 6.6% | 0.03 |
Required Sunlight Exposure for Vitamin D in Washington
Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth, and is also important for general health. The human body can obtain vitamin D in two ways: diet or sun exposure.
Minutes of sunlight exposure needed for sufficient vitamin D intake (see source).
| Skin Type | Exposure Time (Washington current UV level: Low) |
|---|---|
| I | 15-20m |
| II | 20-30m |
| III | 30-40m |
| IV | 40-60m |
| V | 60-80m |
| VI | - |
Washington Historical UV Index Trends Over the Past Year (Monthly Washington UV Index Chart)
This chart presents a detailed view of the UV index fluctuations throughout the past year, enabling you to identify the months with lower UV levels. By observing the monthly UV trends, you can determine the safer periods for outdoor activities with a reduced risk of harmful UV exposure. It's a practical tool for planning outdoor ventures while prioritising skin health and safety.
Washington UV by month
What is the UV Index?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Washington UV Index
Find the most frequently asked questions here while enriching your knowledge.
The maximum UV index in Washington was 10.4328, typically reaching its peak during the Summer months. The UV index measures the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation. In Washington, the highest UV index can often reach levels considered “very high” or “extreme” — usually a UV index of 8 or more. This high index calls for extra precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during midday hours.
In Washington, the highest average UV index is usually recorded in July, with a UV index of 10.0716. During this time, the combination of longer daylight hours and the sun's higher position in the sky produces stronger UV radiation. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant about sun protection during this month, as UV rays are at their most intense, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
