United States
UV Index in Kentucky — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 2 cities in Kentucky. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Kentucky
Sun Safety in Kentucky
UV levels in Kentucky 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 Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky has moderate-to-high summer UV, peaking in the long sunny days of July.
Across Kentucky, 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 Lexington and Louisville on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Kentucky
When is the UV index highest in Kentucky?
UV in Kentucky 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 Lexington above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Kentucky?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Our UV index for Kentucky 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.