UV Index Now
See the live UV index where you are, today’s hour-by-hour curve, the safest window to be outside and a 7-day forecast — then work out how long you can tan with our calculators.
Today, hour by hour
7-day UV forecast
UV index by city
Jump straight to today’s UV for a popular destination.
Los Angeles
California, USAMiami
Florida, USAPhoenix
Arizona, USANew York
New York, USALas Vegas
Nevada, USASan Diego
California, USAHonolulu
Hawaii, USAAustin
Texas, USALondon
United KingdomSydney
AustraliaDubai
United Arab EmiratesBarcelona
SpainCancún
MexicoRio de Janeiro
BrazilCape Town
South AfricaBali
IndonesiaWhat the UV index numbers mean
| UV index | Band | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | Minimal risk. Safe to be outside; sunglasses on bright days. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Stay in shade near midday. SPF 30, hat and sunglasses. |
| 6–7 | High | Protection needed. SPF 30+, shade 10am–4pm, cover up. |
| 8–10 | Very High | Extra protection. Avoid midday sun; SPF 50, hat, shade. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Take all precautions. Avoid the sun midday; unprotected skin burns fast. |
New to the scale? Read what is the UV index, find the best time of day to tan, or check your skin type first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a safe UV index for tanning?
There’s no truly “safe” level, but burn risk climbs fast above UV 3. Many people tan with lower risk when the index is in the moderate band (3–5), in shorter sessions, rather than at the midday peak. Always pair it with your skin type — check the tanning time calculator.
Where does this UV data come from?
The live figures come from the Open-Meteo forecast API, which models the UV index from satellite and weather data for your exact coordinates. It updates through the day and is a forecast, so treat it as a close guide rather than a sensor reading.
Why is the UV index high even when it’s cool or cloudy?
UV isn’t the same as heat. You can burn on a cool, breezy day, and up to 80% of UV passes through light cloud. Always go by the UV index, not the temperature.
When is the UV index highest?
Usually between 10am and 4pm, peaking around solar noon when the sun is highest. It’s also stronger in summer, at altitude, near the equator and around reflective surfaces like water, sand and snow.
Your tan, planned by the hour.
Everything on this site, plus live UV by the hour, a burn-timer that counts down for your skin, SPF reapply reminders and push alerts the moment your safe window opens.