UV index today, and when to reapply sunscreen
Type your ZIP code to see today’s UV index, hour by hour. See what it means for your skin, then start a timer so you know when to reapply.
Sunscreen reapply timer
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The UV index, explained
The UV index measures how strong the sun’s burning rays are, from 0 up to 11 and beyond. It’s highest around midday in summer, at high altitude and near the equator, and it can be high on a cool or cloudy day.
| UV index | What it means and what to do |
|---|---|
| 0–2Low | Low: little risk from the sun for most people. Out for long, burn easily or using retinol or acids? Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Wear sunglasses on bright days. Snow, sand and water bounce UV back at you, so take more care near them. |
| 3–5Moderate | Moderate: unprotected skin can burn if you’re out for a while. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Stay in the shade around midday, when the sun is strongest. Wear a hat and sunglasses. |
| 6–7High | High: protect your skin. Unprotected skin can burn quickly. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Cut down time in direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. Shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover you. |
| 8–10Very high | Very high: take extra care. Unprotected skin burns fast. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Stay out of direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM as much as you can. Shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover you. |
| 11+Extreme | Extreme: unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Avoid direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. Shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover you. |
How much sunscreen to use
About two finger lengths for your face and neck, and about a shot glass full (1 ounce) for your whole body. Put it on 15 minutes before you go out, and don’t forget your ears, the back of your neck and your hands.
When to reapply sunscreen
- Every 2 hours when you’re outside, even on a cloudy day.
- Straight after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Water-resistant sunscreens last 40 or 80 minutes in water: the label tells you which.
- Wearing makeup? A sunscreen stick or spray SPF on top makes reapplying easy.
Retinol and exfoliating acids make skin more sensitive to sun, so daily sunscreen matters even more when you use them. See where it goes in your routine with the routine order builder, or find out how easily you burn.
Sources: UV forecast and scale from the US EPA (UV Index, data from Envirofacts). Reapplying and water-resistance times follow the US FDA’s sunscreen labeling rules.
Questions
What is the UV index today?
Type your ZIP code above to see today’s UV index forecast, hour by hour, with US EPA data, with the peak and the hours you need to protect your skin. Outside the US, pick the number from your weather app.
At what UV index do I need sunscreen?
The EPA says to protect your skin at a UV index of 3 or higher. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, because UV still gets through clouds.
When should I reapply sunscreen?
Every 2 hours when you’re outside, and right after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Water-resistant sunscreens say 40 or 80 minutes on the label: that’s how long they last in water.
How much sunscreen should I use?
About two finger lengths for your face and neck, and about a shot glass full (1 ounce) for your whole body. Most people use half that, which gives much less protection than the SPF on the bottle.
Do I need to reapply sunscreen if I’m inside all day?
If you’re mostly indoors, away from windows, your morning layer is usually enough. Reapply before you head out at lunch or after work.
Is this medical advice?
No. These are general cosmetic sun care tips. If a mole or spot changes in size, shape or color, see a dermatologist.
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