The UV Index

The UV Index is a scale ranging from 1 to 11+. It describes the level of solar UV radiation at the Earth's surface at any given time and is an indicator of the potential for associated health risks.

The UV Index levels, corresponding risk of harm, and advised protection are as follows;

UV Index Levels & Sun Protection

uv index

uv range

risk

uv protection

0 - 2.9

3 - 5.9

6 - 7.9

8 - 10.9

11+

low

moderate

high

very high

extreme

When the UV Index is 'low' there is little risk of exposure. Unless you are especially sensitive to UV radiation generally no protection is needed.

If the UV Index level is closer to low not much protection is needed. Otherwise, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 15+ applied to exposed areas should provide adequate UV protection.

When the UV Index is 'high' there is a real possibility of skin or eye damage. Good UV protection would include sunglasses, a hat, SPF 15+ and clothing that blocks UV.

If you're in the Sun and the UV Index is 'very high' a wide brimmed hat can help protect your head, face, eyes, neck, and shoulders by creating shade. Legs and arms can be protected with UV protective clothing. SPF 30+ should be used on exposed skin.

Prolonged exposure to extreme levels of UV radiation can pose serious health risks. Try to stay out of direct sunlight until UV Index levels decrease or really cover up! UV protective clothes and wide brimmed hat should be used along with sunglasses and SPF 30+. Seek shade when possible.

-The advised protections given are for adults with pale to lightly tan skin. Children and particularly fair-skinned people or those who have sun sensitivity for medical reasons need to take extra precautions.

The level of Sun protection you need will depend on the UV Index level for the time of day and location you will be exposed to the Sun. As UV strength varies throughout the day, and from place to place, it is useful to use our UV index forecast to determine what type of Sun protection you will need, and when. For each hour of the day our forecasts tell you the UV Index level and what protection you need.

The UV Index, as used on uvawareness.com, was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt fur Strahlenschutz).