UV Index Guide & Risk Chart
See what UV Index levels mean and compare clothing coverage and other sun-protection measures.
UV Index Scale
Clothing
WHO describes limited UV risk under normal low-UVI conditions. Consider individual advice and prolonged or reflective exposure.
Activity Advice
Plan for the activity and weather; this category is not a personal safe-time calculation.
UPF Recommendation
Check the exact model’s label if choosing rated clothing
Clothing
Combine suitable clothing, a hat, UV-protective sunglasses and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin.
Activity Advice
Seek shade around solar noon; use locally forecast sun-protection times.
UPF Recommendation
Choose documented UPF and adequate coverage
Clothing
Use rated clothing, a suitable hat and UV-protective sunglasses, plus broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin.
Activity Advice
Reduce exposure near solar noon and seek shade during locally forecast peak UV.
UPF Recommendation
UPF 30+ recommended
Clothing
Use rated clothing, a suitable hat and sunglasses, plus broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin.
Activity Advice
Avoid peak sun hours. Stay in shade whenever possible.
UPF Recommendation
UPF 50+ is a higher rated option; coverage still matters
Clothing
Plan clothing coverage, hat and sunglasses with shade and sunscreen for remaining exposed skin.
Activity Advice
Stay indoors during peak hours if possible.
UPF Recommendation
Compare rated fabric and actual garment coverage
📍 How to Check Your Local UV Index
Check your daily UV index on weather.com or your phone's weather app. UV commonly peaks around solar noon, which varies by location and clock time. Temperature alone does not indicate UV strength.
No fixed number of unprotected minutes applies to everyone. WHO UV Index guidance recommends protection from UVI 3 and extra precautions from UVI 8. AAD sunscreen guidance.