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UV Index: Find your local level today

Everything you need to know about the UV Index, UV index today, and the UV index scale

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The UV Index is issued daily to advise you on the strength of the sun's UV rays in your region. The UV index scale is divided into 5 levels and ranges from low (1-2) to extremely high (11+). The higher the UV index scale number, the stronger the rays.  

Check your region's UV index below and take the proper precautions to protect yourself when you're outdoors.  

Search for your local UV Index using your postal code or city

*Does not account for reflective surfaces: concrete, sand, snow or water or Altitude. Concrete, sand, water, and snow reflect 85% to 90% of the sun's UV rays. 

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]
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UV Index Calculator: Calculate Your UV Index of Your Region

Knowing your region’s UV index is crucial so you can take the proper precautions to protect yourself when you’re outdoors. So, what is UV Index? What does UV Index mean? And what is the UV Index today? Here’s all you need to know about the UV Index scale so you can stay safe. 
The UV index measures the strength of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s often used in daily forecasts – you may hear your favorite meteorologist reference the UV index from time to time – and it’s used to help the general public understand how powerful the sun’s rays will be on a specific day. It’s usually given for ‘solar noon’, which refers to the time when the sun is at its highest point. 

What does the UV index mean?

The UV Index is the strength of the sun’s UV rays measured on a scale. The numbers correlate to the strength of the sun, increasing as the intensity of skin-damaging UV rays increases.  

Below is the entire scale, detailing appropriate skin protection for each situation. 

A few important notes about UV exposure and the UV index

  • When the sun is reflected off bright surfaces like snow or sand, it can as much as double your UV exposure, so it’s important to consider this when going to the beach, skiing, or doing other activities that may involve this kind of UV exposure, and to plan your sun protection efforts accordingly. 
  • The UV Index rating can change from day to day, so it’s important to check each day before going outside so you can take appropriate sun protection measures. 
  • Regardless of the UV index, it’s best to wear sunscreen every day in conjunction with other sun protection measures, even if you are in a shaded area and not in direct sunlight.  

If you have any medical conditions that impact your skin’s response to sun or are taking medications that affect how the sun may impact your skin, be sure to check with a medical professional before spending time outdoors during the day. 

The UV index scale

Reading your local UV index 

UV index: 0-2

With a low UV Index from 0 to 2, it is generally considered safe to enjoy time outside. Wear sunglasses if it’s a bright day, and if you are particularly prone to burning, apply a sunscreen appropriate for your skin. 

UV index: 3-5

With a medium UV Index of 3 to 5, wear protective clothing such as a shirt, hat, and sunglasses. Protect exposed skin by applying sunscreen appropriate to your skin type along with a sunscreen, using as directed and reapplying regularly. If possible, avoid direct exposure to the sun during midday hours when the sun is highest in the sky.  

UV index: 6-7

With a high UV Index of 6 to 7, it’s important to physically cover as much of your body as is practical and possible. Items of clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are advisable. For any areas of exposed skin, use a sunscreen as directed and reapply regularly.  

As with the prior UV index level, seek shade and otherwise avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak midday hours. 

UV index: 8-10

This is considered a very high rating on the UV Index scale and necessitates protecting yourself from the sun as much as you can. Aim to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible between 10am and 4pm, and be sure to take sun protection measures such as wearing a shirt, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (using and reapplying as directed). Even when staying in the shade, protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved and sun-proof clothing and apply (and reapply!) sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin.  

UV index: 11 and higher

This is the highest rating on the UV index scale and indicates an extreme level of UV exposure, requiring the strictest sun protection measures. At this level of UV exposure, a sunburn can develop within minutes if proper precautions aren’t taken. Strictly follow all precautions including avoiding sun exposure as much as possible between the hours of 10am and 4pm, covering as much skin as possible with sun-protective clothing, and ensuring all exposed areas of skin are covered with sunscreen using a sunscreen as directed and reapplying regularly.  

What is UV light?

Find out more about UVA and UVB Rays.  

UV light refers to the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun. Ultraviolet rays are invisible to the human eye (though some animals and insects can see them!) and are most commonly encountered in the atmosphere in two forms based on their wavelengths – UVA and UVB.  

UVB rays have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays and affect the surface of the skin. These UV rays are responsible for the type of sun damage that shows as a sunburn.  

UVA rays have a longer wavelength than UVB rays which allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin. While they also play a minor role in sunburn, they are more responsible for sun damage that leads to tanning and skin aging. 

When choosing a sunscreen, look for the term ‘broad spectrum’ coverage. This means that the sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB rays, providing the most skin protection from sun damage. 

Learn more about the potential dangers of UV rays & why you always need UV protection

While small amounts of sun exposure can help the body to produce Vitamin D and boost serotonin, overexposure to the sun can be very damaging to the skin. Exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin and cause harm that can lead to things like sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. Here are some ways that UV exposure can be dangerous to the skin. 

Sunburn

Perhaps the most obvious and most immediate sign of sun damage is a sunburn. When skin is exposed to UV rays (particularly the shorter-wavelength UVB rays) for too long, this can cause sun damage in the form of a sunburn. Depending on how high the UV index is, this could develop in as quickly as just a few minutes. 

Sun damage

Sun damage encompasses more than just a sunburn, though sunburn is one particular type of sun damage. When the skin is exposed to damaging UV radiation, it responds by producing melanin in an attempt to protect itself from further damage. This shows up as a suntan (yes – a suntan is a form of sun damage!). 

The skin’s aging process

Another type of sun damage caused by UV exposure can lead to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin which reduces skin’s elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. According to the EPA, up to 90% of visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the suni. (source) Thankfully, with sunscreen along with sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing, the vast majority of premature skin aging from the sun is preventable. 
Coppertone offers sun protection for every moment. Voted the most trusted sunscreen brand in the US*, Coppertone has provided continuous sun protection innovation for over 75 years.  

Whether you require durable SPF for sport, mineral SPF for sensitive skin, sunscreen for babies and kids, moisturizing sun protection for the whole family, or something for an extra shimmer and glow – Coppertone's range has you covered.  

Browse the range of Coppertone sunscreens to find those suited for your needs. 

*Voted Most Trusted Adult Sunscreen Brand by American Shoppers Based on the 2024 BrandSpark American Trust Study. 

Discover more sun protection tips from Coppertone

You’ve learned the answers to a lot of common queries, including the UV index meaning, and the importance of checking the UV index in your area to help determine appropriate sun protection measures for the day. However, the UV Index's recommendations only serve as a general guideline.  

The intensity of UV radiation differs from day to day, and region to region. Factors like UV light reflecting off of snow, water and sand increase the radiation exposure. Accordingly, the actual value may be higher than the predicted UV Index, so adequate UV protection is advisable for appropriate activities.  

There are many different factors that come into play when it comes to reliable sun protection, from wearing sun protective clothing, to the time of day you choose to be exposed to the sun, choosing the appropriate sunscreen for your needs, and ensuring that you apply sunscreen properly. If you have specific questions on your individual sun protection needs, consult your dermatologist. And if you need a particular product, you can check our full collection of Coppertone sunscreens here.  

To most safely enjoy your time in the sun, always be sure to refer to information on the sunscreen Drug Facts box for ingredients, product information, and application and reapplication instructions. 

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