United States
UV Index in Iowa — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 2 cities in Iowa. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Iowa
Sun Safety in Iowa
UV levels in Iowa vary by season, altitude, and proximity to water. The WHO recommends sun protection whenever UV reaches 3 or higher. Apply SPF 30+ before outdoor activities and reapply every 2 hours.
UV Index in Iowa: What to Know
Iowa has moderate UV that peaks in midsummer, when the sun is highest and days are longest.
Across Iowa, the UV index peaks in the four hours around solar noon (roughly noon to 3 PM local time). The World Health Organization recommends sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 at UV 3–5, SPF 50 at UV 6–7, and SPF 50+ with reapplication every two hours at UV 8 and above. Check the live, hour-by-hour UV index for Cedar Rapids and Des Moines on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Iowa
When is the UV index highest in Iowa?
UV in Iowa is strongest between noon and 3 PM local time, and highest in the summer months when the sun sits highest in the sky. Check the hourly chart for Cedar Rapids above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Iowa?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Iowa covers most of the daytime hours from spring through fall. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV can reach the ground.
How accurate is this UV data for Iowa?
Our UV index for Iowa comes from Open-Meteo, which aggregates national weather-service models, and updates every 15 minutes. Levels follow the official WHO global solar UV index scale.