United States
UV Index in Rhode Island — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 1 cities in Rhode Island. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Rhode Island
Sun Safety in Rhode Island
UV levels in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island has moderate UV typical of New England, peaking in midsummer with added coastal reflection.
Across Rhode Island, 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 Providence on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Rhode Island
When is the UV index highest in Rhode Island?
UV in Rhode Island 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 Providence above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Rhode Island?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Our UV index for Rhode Island 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.