Current UV Index and Hourly Forecast

CurrentUVIndex.com is your trusted companion in helping you stay informed and protected against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. We offer real-time UV index data and a 5-day hourly UV index forecast for over 30,000 cities across the United States.

Discover the UV Index in Your Area!

Use the search form below to search for your city, or click on a state or city on the map below.


UV Index Risk Levels
Range0 - 23 - 56 - 78 - 1011+
Color
RiskLowModerateHighVery HighExtreme

States and Territories in USA

Current UV Index in Major Cities in USA


What is the UV Index?

The UV Index is a measurement scale used to indicate the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. The values range from 0 to 11 and above. The higher the index value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for harm to occur.

How is the UV Index measured?

The UV Index is calculated using measurements of UV radiation, particularly UVB and UVA rays. These measurements are typically made by sensors on satellites and ground-based instruments. These values are then weighted based on the potential harm each type of radiation can cause to human skin and are combined to provide a single index value.

Can the UV Index affect my skin?

Yes, a high UV Index indicates that the ultraviolet radiation is strong enough to cause harm to your skin in a short amount of time. This can lead to sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It's important to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing when the UV Index is high.

What are the different UV Index levels and what do they mean?

The UV Index is a scale that provides an indicator of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. It is a way to quantify the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a particular place and time. The scale goes from 0 to 11+, where higher numbers indicate a higher risk of overexposure to UV radiation.

Here's a general table indicating the UV Index scale, what each level means, and the recommended sun protection measures:

UV IndexRisk LevelRecommended Protection
0 - 2Low RiskNo protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.
3 - 5Moderate RiskProtection needed. Seek shade during late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
6 - 7High Risk
8 - 10Very High RiskExtra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.
11+Extreme Risk