woman with her face in the sun

What is the UV Index Today?

What does the UV Index mean and what is the UV Index today? Use our UV calculator to find out, along with learning how to protect your skin today.

What's in the article:

What is the UV Index?

The UV index indicates the strength of solar UV radiation, considering factors like the sun’s position, ozone layer thickness, cloud cover, and elevation. Ranging from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme) the scale helps determine the necessary level of sun protection. 

A higher UV index means stronger UV rays and a greater risk of skin damage, making sun protection more crucial. Here’s what each level signifies:

 

0-2

(Low)

Minimal risk. Minimal protection, such as sunglasses, is sufficient for most people.

3-5

(Moderate)

Moderate risk. Use sunscreen and protective clothing.

6-7

(High)

High risk. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and seek shade.

8-10

(Very high)

Very high risk. It's recommended to avoid sun exposure, to wear protective clothing and very high SPF (SPF50+) sun cream.

11+

(Extreme)

Extreme risk. Stay indoors or use maximum protection if outside.

What Is the UV Index Today: Search Local UV Index

The UV Index is updated daily to guide the intensity of the sun’s UV rays in your area. A higher number indicates stronger rays. Check today’s UV Index for your region and take appropriate measures to protect yourself while outdoors.

YOUR UV INDEX IS [uvIndex]

It’s a low uv index for [city]

YOUR UV INDEX IS [uvIndex]

It's an average uv index for [city]

YOUR UV INDEX IS [uvIndex]

It's a high uv index for [city]

YOUR UV INDEX IS [uvIndex]

It's a very high uv index for [city]

YOUR UV INDEX IS [uvIndex]

It's a very high uv index for [city]
Check Another Location

NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Pump Spray SPF 50+

The NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Pump Spray SPF 50+ provides advanced sun protection with a very high SPF (SPF50+) to shield against harmful UVB rays, as well as UVA protection. The formula hydrates and moisturises for up to 48 hours* and is enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Hyaluron. What's more, it's water-resistant and easy to apply. 

Make sure you apply sunscreen generously on all exposed parts of the body, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.

*Instrumental evaluation, 35 women, 2022

Woman and child on the beach
Facts Overview

UV Index

What is the UV Index? 
The UV Index measures the sun's UV radiation strength, indicating the potential risk to the skin. 

Benefits of UV Protection: 
Reduces the risk of skin damage, helps prevent premature ageing induced by the sun, and maintains even skin tone. 

How to Protect: 
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high to very high SPF (SPF 30 or 50+), wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours (10 am - 4 pm.).

Who Needs Protection?
Everyone should practice sun safety year-round to minimise the effects of UV exposure, including children and babies.

What is a UV Ray?

Moderate sun exposure plays a vital role in Vitamin D production, essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. However, alongside Vitamin D production the sun exposes us to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can harm the skin. Sun protection is essential and studies have shown that its use has a limited impact on vitamin D levels.

A UV ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Whilst invisible to the naked eye, a UV ray significantly affects the skin, causing tanning, sunburn, and other changes. Protecting your skin begins with understanding the effect of the UV ray, using sunscreen effectively, and leveraging the UV index to make informed choices for safe sun exposure.

Types of UV Rays

There are three main types of UV rays, each with different effects on the skin:

1
UVA Rays:

These penetrate deep into the skin, that could cause long-term skin damage such as photoageing or premature ageing.

2
UVB Rays:

These are the primary cause of sunburn and play a significant role in skin condition development, such as skin cancers.

3
UVC Rays:

The ozone layer filters out almost all UVC light, so it does not reach the Earth's surface, this is why sunscreen does not need to protect us against it.

Explore the NIVEA UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+

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This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula provides superior broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defense, shielding your skin from harmful sun rays while preventing premature ageing and skin damages. Designed for everyday use, it features key ingredients like Licochalcone A, an antioxidant which helps boost the skin’s own defence. 

 With its ultra-light formula and invisible finish, it seamlessly integrates into your skincare routine and is suitable for use under make-up.
woman holding sunscreen

 

sky

Sun Protection for Children and Babies

It is crucial to emphasise that skin protection is essential for vulnerable groups like children and babies throughout the year. Their skin is more delicate and susceptible to damage from UV radiation. To protect them:

Woman in the shade
Seek Shade

Keep children and babies out of direct sunlight, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Woman with sunhat
Protective Clothing

Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved protecting clothing and wide-brimmed hats to shield their skin and face. And don't forget to protect their eyes with sunglasses.

Woman applying sunscreen
Sunscreen

Use a very high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen like NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Lotion, designed specifically for delicate skin. It offers reliable sun protection while being gentle, skin-friendly, and water-resistant, ideal for active children.

Woman and child applying sunscreen
Education

Teach children about sun safety from an early age so they can adopt healthy habits. 

Summary

Understanding UV light and using sunscreen effectively enables you to enjoy the outdoors safely. By checking the UV index and taking protective measures, you can keep your skin looking healthy and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

FAQ's

Why do we need to check the UV index?

The UV index helps you understand the strength of UV rays and take appropriate precautions.

What UV index can you tan in?

You can tan at a UV index of 3 or higher. However, if you want a tan that lasts and avoid skin damage, always protect your skin with a sun cream with an SPF suited to the UV index and your skin type, which will not prevent tanning. You should also avoid exposure during midday, when the UV index is at its highest.

Can I still get sunburnt on a cloudy day?

Yes! Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so you should always wear sunscreen even on overcast days.

What is considered a high UV index?

 A high UV index is considered 6 or above. At this level, there is an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Do indoor tanning beds have the same UV risks as the sun?

Yes, tanning beds emit UVA and sometimes UVB rays, which can cause skin damage, just like natural sunlight.

Can I wear makeup with SPF and still be fully protected?

Makeup with SPF provides some protection, but it is usually not enough for full coverage. For adequate protection, a product must be applied in sufficient quantity and evenly all over the face, which is not always the case with make-up. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen first, then layer makeup with SPF. Don't forget to protect your neck and décolleté too.

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