Quick answer: today's UV index depends entirely on where you stand — it climbs through the morning, peaks around solar noon (12:00–14:00), and varies with latitude, altitude and cloud cover. Tap here for your exact live number — one tap, free, no signup — or jump straight to your city below.

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Today's UV in major US cities

Miami Phoenix Los Angeles Houston Orlando Las Vegas Denver Honolulu New York Chicago Seattle Dallas

Every city page shows the live index, the hourly curve for today, a sunburn calculator for your skin type, and a free Sun Session — a push reminder when it's time to reapply sunscreen.

How to read today's number

0–2 is low — enjoy. 3–5 means SPF 30 and a hat at midday. 6–7 is high: SPF 50 and shade between 11:00 and 15:00. 8–10 is very high — unprotected fair skin burns in about 15 minutes. 11+ is extreme. The index measures the burning power of sunlight at the surface — it is not temperature, and it ignores how warm the day feels.

Planning ahead?

See tomorrow's UV forecast with hourly peaks per city — useful before a beach day, a hike or a festival. Traveling? Check typical UV at your destination month by month.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UV index today?

The UV index today depends on where you are: it peaks around solar noon and varies with latitude, season, altitude and cloud cover. Use the live checker above for your exact number, or open your city page for the full hourly curve.

What time is UV highest today?

UV peaks around solar noon — roughly 12:00–14:00 local time. About 60% of the entire day's UV arrives between 11:00 and 15:00, which is why shade during those hours matters most.

Is today's UV index dangerous?

From UV 3, protection is recommended (SPF 30+, hat). From UV 6, unprotected fair skin burns in under 30 minutes. From UV 8, damage starts in about 15 minutes. Today's number tells you which rules apply.

Why is the UV index high even when it's cloudy today?

Up to 80% of UV passes through light clouds, and broken clouds can even boost UV above clear-sky levels by reflection. Temperature and sunshine are poor guides — the index is the only reliable number.

How accurate is today's UV forecast?

Our data comes from Open-Meteo and refreshes every 15 minutes, tracking the live atmospheric situation — ozone, cloud cover and sun angle — rather than a static daily estimate.