Check Today’s UV Index & Personalised Burn Times

Get real-time UV index data and personalised burn time estimates based on your Fitzpatrick skin type, location, and SPF level. Our hourly UV forecasts cover 2,000+ destinations worldwide, helping you plan safer outdoor activities every day.

Today’s UV Risk Summary

UV levels change daily depending on your location, time of year, and weather conditions. The UV Index is a standard measurement from 0 to 11+ that indicates how quickly ultraviolet radiation can damage unprotected skin. Checking the UV Index today helps you decide when to apply sunscreen, seek shade, or limit outdoor exposure.

What Is the UV Index?

The UV Index is a global standard used to measure the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and its potential to damage human skin. It was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and ranges from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (extreme risk). The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin will burn.

What Does the UV Index Mean Today?

The UV Index today shows how quickly your skin can burn based on current sunlight intensity. At UV 1–2, most people can safely spend extended time outdoors. At UV 3–5, sunscreen and shade are recommended. At UV 6–7, sun protection is essential. At UV 8–10, unprotected skin burns rapidly. At UV 11+, all outdoor exposure should be minimised.

0–2 (Low): Minimal risk. Sunglasses on bright days. Safe for all outdoor activities.
3–5 (Moderate): Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen. Seek shade during midday hours.
6–7 (High): Reduce sun exposure 10am–4pm. SPF 30+ required, reapply every 2 hours.
8–10 (Very High): Avoid midday sun entirely. SPF 50+ essential. Protective clothing mandatory.
11+ (Extreme): Maximum protection required. Minimise all outdoor exposure during peak hours.

How Daily UV Tracker Works

Share your location or search for any of our 2,000+ tracked destinations worldwide
Select your Fitzpatrick skin type (Type I through VI) for personalised results
Get your burn time estimate — see exactly how many minutes until sunburn at current UV levels
View hourly UV forecasts to plan the safest times for outdoor activities
Receive SPF recommendations tailored to your skin type and local UV intensity

UV Index Today by Hour

UV levels change throughout the day, usually peaking around midday when the sun is highest in the sky. Viewing the hourly UV Index helps you plan safer outdoor activities and avoid the highest exposure periods. Early morning (before 9 AM) and late afternoon (after 4 PM) typically have the lowest UV levels.

Burn Times by Skin Type at Common UV Levels

How quickly you burn depends on your Fitzpatrick skin type and the current UV Index. Below are estimated burn times at UV 7 (High), a common midday level in many popular destinations:

Skin Type	Burn Time (No SPF)	With SPF 30	With SPF 50
Type I (Very Fair)	14 min	42 min	1h 10m
Type II (Fair)	21 min	1h 3m	1h 45m
Type III (Medium)	29 min	1h 27m	2h 25m
Type IV (Olive)	43 min	2h 9m	3h 35m
Type V (Brown)	1h 4m	3h 12m	5h 20m
Type VI (Dark)	1h 26m	4h 18m	7h 10m

Estimates based on the Fitzpatrick classification system and WHO UV exposure guidelines. Actual burn times vary with altitude, reflection, cloud cover, and sunscreen application.

How UV Affects Your Skin Type

UV exposure affects people differently depending on skin type. The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin into six types based on how it responds to ultraviolet radiation:

Type I (Very Fair): Always burns, never tans. Burns in as little as 10 minutes at high UV.
Type II (Fair): Burns easily, tans minimally. Requires SPF 50+ in moderate-to-high UV.
Type III (Medium): Sometimes burns, tans gradually. SPF 30+ recommended.
Type IV (Olive): Burns minimally, tans easily. Still at risk of cumulative UV damage.
Type V (Brown): Rarely burns, tans darkly. UV damage occurs even without visible sunburn.
Type VI (Dark): Almost never burns. Still requires protection against long-term UV damage.

Best Time to Be Outside Today

The safest time to be outside is when UV levels are lower, typically early morning or late afternoon. Avoid peak UV hours around midday to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Early Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Lowest UV — ideal for running, cycling, outdoor exercise
Mid-Morning (9:00–11:00 AM): UV rising — apply sunscreen before heading out
Midday (11:00 AM–3:00 PM): Peak UV — limit direct sun exposure, seek shade
Late Afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM): UV declining — good for sightseeing and beach activities
Evening (after 6:00 PM): Negligible UV — safe for all outdoor activities

Sun Protection Guide

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside
Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure, or immediately after swimming or sweating
Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
Wear sunglasses with UV400 protection to shield your eyes
Use protective clothing — wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated fabrics block UV effectively

Does Temperature Affect UV Levels?

UV radiation is not directly related to temperature. You can experience high UV levels on cool or cloudy days, which is why checking the UV Index is more reliable than relying on how warm it feels outside. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, meaning sunburn risk exists even when the sun is not visible.

Why Check the UV Index Daily?

UV levels change every day depending on weather, season, and location. Checking the UV Index daily helps you build safer habits, avoid unexpected exposure, and protect your skin consistently over time. Regular monitoring is especially important for people with fair skin, outdoor workers, and travellers visiting high-UV destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index is a standard measurement that shows how strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a specific time and location. It ranges from 0 to 11+, with higher values indicating a greater risk of skin damage.

What UV level causes sunburn?

Sunburn risk begins to increase at a UV Index of 3 or higher, especially during midday when UV radiation is strongest. At levels of 6 or above, unprotected skin can burn quickly, sometimes within minutes depending on skin type.

Do you need sunscreen every day?

Sunscreen is recommended whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or higher, even if it feels cool or cloudy outside. UV radiation can still penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces.

Does UV go through clouds?

Yes, ultraviolet radiation can pass through clouds. While thick cloud cover may reduce UV levels slightly, it does not eliminate the risk. Checking the UV Index ensures you know whether protection is needed regardless of visible sunshine.

What UV level is dangerous?

A UV Index of 6 or higher is considered high and potentially dangerous without protection. Levels above 8 are very high, meaning extra precautions like sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing are essential.

What time of day is UV strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 11am and 3pm when the sun is highest in the sky. Limiting exposure during this window can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn.

Can you get sunburn on a cloudy day?

Yes, it is possible to get sunburn on cloudy days because UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover. Even if the sun is not visible, your skin may still be exposed to harmful rays.

How accurate is the UV Index?

The UV Index is calculated using atmospheric data such as ozone levels, cloud cover, altitude, and solar radiation. It is widely used by health organisations to guide sun safety recommendations.