UV Index Today

UV Index in Austin, Texas Today

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

1 UV Index
Low

Low danger from the sun for the average person.

You can safely enjoy being outside. Sunglasses on bright days are enough for most people.

UV peaks at 4 (Moderate) around 3 PM CDT.

Hourly UV forecast

Times shown in Austin local time (CDT). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.

What the UV index means in Austin

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 Austin, 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 Austin: geography and seasons

Latitude
30.3° N
Elevation
149 m (489 ft)
Strongest UV
late spring and summer (May-August)

At 30.3° N, Austin sits in the subtropics. UV is strong for much of the year and peaks around June and July, when the sun climbs almost directly overhead at midday. Austin sits near sea level (149 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 Austin

  • 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

Pflugerville Round Rock Cedar Park Georgetown San Marcos New Braunfels

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

Austin UV index FAQ

What is the UV index in Austin 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 Austin.

When is UV highest in Austin?

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 Austin?

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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