UV Index Today
UV Index in London, United Kingdom Today
Live UV index and hourly forecast for London. Check the current level before you head out, see when the sun peaks today, and know exactly what protection you need.
Hourly UV forecast
Times shown in London local time (BST). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.
What the UV index means in London
The UV index is a simple 0 to 11+ scale for the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin can burn. In London, the reading rises and falls through the day and shifts with the seasons, cloud cover, and how high the sun sits in the sky.
Use the live reading above to decide what you need right now. As a rule of thumb: at UV 3 or above, wear sunscreen and a hat; at UV 6 and above, add shade during the middle of the day; at UV 8 and above, treat midday sun with real caution.
UV in London: geography and seasons
At 51.5° N, London sits far from the equator. Winter UV is low, but near the June and July solstice the midday sun climbs high enough to push UV into the high range. London sits near sea level (25 m), so altitude adds little to its UV.
Sources: coordinates and elevation from GeoNames; UV, altitude, and latitude guidance from the World Health Organization and the US EPA.
Sun-safety tips for London
- Check the current UV index above before spending time outdoors.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours.
- Seek shade during the strongest midday hours.
- Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Remember that UV passes through light cloud and reflects off water, sand, and snow.