What is the UV Index scale?
It is a global standard from the WHO and EPA that rates the sun’s UV radiation on a daily basis so you can gauge skin-damage risk when you step outside.
UV Index Today
Discover the UV index today for your city, compare the UV right now with the UV forecast for the next few hours, and check tomorrow’s UV rating so you can plan outdoor time with full sun protection confidence.
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UV Index Today
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Tune the recommendations to your skin type and sunscreen to get a personalised plan for the UV index today, understand the UV index right now, and prep for the UV index tomorrow.
Estimated burn window
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Based on Fitzpatrick III and SPF 30.
Stay in shade when possible and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming and sweating.
Choose skin type
Fitzpatrick Type III (III)
Medium, sometimes mild burn
Sunscreen strength
Your checklist
Important
Guidance is informational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Medication, altitude, reflective surfaces (water, sand, snow), and time outdoors can change your exposure.
Jump straight to a UV index today snapshot for top destinations and see which cities have the highest UV right now.
Quick tips to understand UV exposure and protect skin every day.
It is a global standard from the WHO and EPA that rates the sun’s UV radiation on a daily basis so you can gauge skin-damage risk when you step outside.
Values 0-2 mean low risk, 3-5 moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high, and 11+ extreme exposure where unprotected skin can burn quickly.
The scale officially runs from 0 up to 11+, but tropical or high-altitude locations can surge well into the teens under clear skies and reflective surfaces.
The index resets every day based on forecast models; check your location each morning because clouds, ozone, and seasonal sun angle can shift risk hour by hour.
Most U.S. cities top out between 8 and 10 in summer, while subtropical regions can exceed 12; anything over 11 is classed as extreme and warrants full protection.
At UV 3 you might burn in 45 minutes, UV 6 in 25 minutes, UV 8 in 15 minutes, and UV 11+ in under 10 minutes without sunscreen or shade.
No—the UV Index is weighted by wavelengths that cause sunburn, so each step up represents a significantly larger jump in damaging energy than the previous number.
Use your ZIP code or GPS to pull the index for your exact spot; terrain, altitude, and cloud cover can change UV levels dramatically within a few miles.
Record highs above 20 have been measured in the Andes and New Zealand; such spikes usually occur near the equator, at altitude, with thin ozone and reflective snow.
Tanning begins around UV 3, but it signals DNA damage; dermatologists advise avoiding deliberate tanning and instead using sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing.
Pair the day’s UV value with time-of-day insights—morning and late afternoon often sit a couple of points lower, making them safer windows for errands or exercise.
SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB; reapply every two hours or after swimming because higher index days intensify the dose hitting your skin.
Clarity on common UV safety questions.
The UV index today depends on latitude, season, clouds, and ozone. Typical summer values in temperate cities range 6–9, while tropical or high-elevation places can hit 10–12+. Check your city or use “near me / in my location” or search by zip code. For example, coastal areas like weather Carlsbad San Diego, island getaways such as Wailea Maui Hawaii, or desert regions often show higher readings than inland towns.
The UV index right now usually peaks around solar noon and drops in early morning/evening. Tap “Use my location” to see live conditions; you can also compare nearby cities with national UV. Reflective surfaces amplify UV rays right now—think beaches (Poipu weather report, Wailea weather) and snowfields—so protection should be stronger there.
The standard UV index scale is 0–2 Low, 3–5 Moderate, 6–7 High, 8–10 Very High, 11+ Extreme. In clear summer skies near the tropics or at altitude, the UV index scale highest number can exceed 11. Misspellings like “uv indeks” or “uv rn” still refer to the same scale. When UVI ≥ 8, favor shade, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 30+ with frequent re-application.
UV index tomorrow is driven by cloud cover and the sun’s elevation. Use the city page’s 7-day chart to compare trends. For example, forecast Maricopa (AZ) or coastal weather Carlsbad San Diego often shows a midday spike on clear days, while an incoming marine layer can lower values in the morning.
A UV reading is the measured or modeled UV intensity at a given place and time. Our “UV index right now” blends authoritative forecast models with local conditions. Thin clouds can still create short-lived peaks, so always consult the hourly curve—especially in reflective settings (sand, snow, glass façades).
Use the search bar or “near me” to fetch what is the UV index today in my location. Regional examples: forecast for Fairfield CT, Lakewood NJ forecast, forecast for Lewes DE, or forecast for Huntersville NC. Spring/fall on sunny days often lands 3–6; peak summer at noon can reach 7–9 in many Eastern U.S. spots.
What is the UV rating for today equals UV index today. We show both the number and its category (Low–Extreme) plus protection tips. Cloudy conditions might still yield Moderate levels (3–5) in places like Syracuse UV; clear, high-sun destinations like Wailea Maui Hawaii or high-plateau areas (e.g., Madras Oregon forecast) can reach 8–11+.
Yes. UV rays right now intensify over bright, reflective ground (sand, water, snow) and at higher elevations. That’s why Poipu weather report (Kauai beaches) or alpine resorts often show higher UVI than nearby inland towns. Even with scattered clouds, brief spikes can occur—use shade and re-apply sunscreen frequently.
Many people use sunburn index today as shorthand for UVI plus “time to burn.” On a clear day with UVI = 10, fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II) can show redness in 10–20 minutes without protection. SPF helps, but sweat, swimming, and under-application reduce effectiveness. High-sun locales like weather Wailea Maui Hawaii require extra caution.
Syracuse UV is typically 0–2 in winter, 3–6 on sunny spring/fall days, and 6–8 (sometimes 9) at summer noon under clear skies. Lake-effect clouds often lower day-to-day values, but clear breaks can climb quickly. Compare with Buffalo Grove forecast (IL) or Madras Oregon forecast for inland vs. high-sun contrasts.
Along the SoCal coast, weather Carlsbad San Diego enjoys abundant sunshine. In summer, UV index today commonly reaches 8–10 on clear afternoons. Morning marine layer clouds can suppress the UV reading early, then clear to strong midday peaks—plan beach time away from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. when possible.
For Lakewood NJ forecast, spring/fall sunny days often show 3–6, while clear midsummer days reach 7–9. To compare the region, check forecast for Fairfield CT and forecast for Lewes DE. If you’re also researching warm-weather trips, viewing Wailea Maui Hawaii side-by-side helps plan shade and sunscreen needs ahead of travel.