UV Index Today

UV Index in Louisville, Kentucky Today

Live UV index and hourly forecast for Louisville. Check the current level before you head out, see when the sun peaks today, and know exactly what protection you need.

3 UV Index
Moderate

Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Seek shade around midday when the sun is strongest.

UV peaks at 10 (Very High) around 1 PM EDT.

Hourly UV forecast

Times shown in Louisville local time (EDT). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.

What the UV index means in Louisville

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 Louisville, like everywhere, 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 at the top of this page 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 Louisville: geography and seasons

Latitude
38.2° N
Elevation
142 m (466 ft)
Strongest UV
late spring and summer (May-August)

At 38.2° N, Louisville has a clear seasonal swing: UV is high around June and July when the sun rides high in the sky, and much lower in winter when it stays low. Louisville sits near sea level (142 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 Louisville

  • 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 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV is strongest.
  • Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Remember that UV passes through light cloud and reflects off water, sand, and snow.

UV index in nearby cities

Lexington-Fayette Owensboro Bowling Green Covington New York, New York Los Angeles, California

Learn more about UV

What is the UV index? UV index scale and chart Best time to avoid the sun Best UV index for tanning UV index and vitamin D Sunscreen and SPF guide

Louisville UV index FAQ

What is the UV index in Louisville today?

It changes through the day, from near zero at sunrise to a peak in the early afternoon. The live reading and hourly forecast above show today's values for Louisville.

When is UV highest in Louisville?

Usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., peaking around midday. The forecast bars above mark today's peak hour.

Do I need sunscreen in Louisville?

Once UV hits 3 or higher, yes. Use SPF 30+ on exposed skin, add a hat and sunglasses, and limit midday sun on high-UV days.

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