What Is the UV Today – UK Forecast and City Safety Guide

The ultraviolet index, commonly known as the UV index, measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a given place and time. For anyone spending time outdoors in the United Kingdom, knowing today’s UV index helps assess the risk of sunburn and skin damage. This article provides the latest UV forecast for UK cities, explains what the numbers mean, and offers practical safety guidance based on authoritative sources.

UV levels vary throughout the day and across the country. Southern and central England tend to see moderate peaks, while Scotland and Northern Ireland generally record lower values. The forecast below reflects current conditions and today’s expected maximum UV index for major UK locations.

Whether you are planning a day out, gardening, or simply commuting, checking the UV index in your area helps you take sensible precautions. The information here is drawn from the Met Office, the World Health Organization, and other verified weather services.

What is the UV index today in my location?

The UV index today across the United Kingdom ranges from low to moderate, with southern regions reaching higher values around midday. To give a clear picture, the overview below summarises the current situation, the meaning of the scale, protection guidelines, and yesterday’s readings for comparison.

Key insights about UV in the UK today:

• UV index typically peaks around midday, with lower values in the morning and late afternoon.
• Levels vary significantly by latitude, altitude, cloud cover, and time of year.
• Even on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
• In the United Kingdom, the UV index rarely exceeds 8 in summer; peaks around 7 are more common.
• Southern England consistently records higher UV values than Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Low-ozone events, as noted by the Met Office, can cause actual UV levels to exceed forecasts.
• Checking the UV forecast daily is a simple habit that reduces long-term skin cancer risk.

Today’s UV index across UK cities:

What is the UV index today in UK cities?

UV levels differ noticeably across the United Kingdom. The table above shows that southern and central England tend to experience moderate UV peaks, while northern cities and Scotland remain in the low category. The Met Office notes that actual levels can sometimes be higher than forecast due to low-ozone events, so it is wise to check real-time data from official apps.

London and the South East

London today reaches a peak UV index of around 5, classified as moderate. The hourly forecast shows UV rising from 1 at 08:00 to 3 by midday, then falling back to 2 by mid-afternoon. Similar conditions apply across the South East, with Brighton and Eastbourne seeing comparable values.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Glasgow’s maximum today is 1.4, Edinburgh 0.7, and Aberdeen 2.4. Belfast records a peak of 1.2. These low values mean minimal sun protection is required for most people, though those with fair skin or prolonged outdoor exposure should still take basic precautions.

Central and Northern England

Nottingham reaches a moderate peak of 5 today, while Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne see peaks of 0.7 and 2.5 respectively. The variation within England reflects differences in local weather conditions and cloud coverage at the time of the forecast.

What does the UV index number mean?

The UV index is an international standard that measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation at the Earth’s surface. The scale runs from 0 to 11+, with each range linked to a specific risk level. The Met Office explains that the index takes into account sun elevation, cloud cover, ozone concentration, and surface reflection.

What is a safe UV index?

There is no completely safe level of UV exposure, because any amount carries some risk of skin damage over time. The World Health Organization advises that when the UV index is 3 or above, you should protect your skin and eyes. At moderate levels (3–5), using SPF30 or higher sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and spending time in the shade during the middle of the day are recommended.

For children and people with fair skin, extra caution is warranted even at low UV levels. The NHS recommends that babies and young children be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible, and that protective clothing and sunscreen be used when the UV index is 3 or higher.

What was the UV index yesterday?

Yesterday’s UV index provides useful context for today’s forecast. In London, yesterday’s peak reached 4 (moderate), compared to today’s forecast of 5. Nottingham saw a peak of 3 yesterday, while today’s forecast is 5. Lanzarote, a popular holiday destination, recorded a peak of 6 yesterday (high), consistent with its stronger year-round sun.

Tracking yesterday’s UV alongside today’s helps identify trends. A rising UV index over several days may indicate improving weather and clearer skies, while a sharp drop often signals increased cloud cover or rain. The Defra UV Monitoring Network offers historical data for research and personal reference.

How does the UV index change during the day?

UV intensity follows the sun’s path. It is lowest at sunrise and sunset, and highest when the sun is at its zenith. For London today, the hourly progression looks like this:

1. 08:00 – UV 1 (Low)
2. 09:00 – UV 1 (Low)
3. 10:00 – UV 2 (Low)
4. 11:00 – UV 2 (Low)
5. 12:00 – UV 3 (Moderate)
6. 13:00 – UV 3 (Moderate)
7. 14:00 – UV 3 (Moderate)
8. 15:00 – UV 2 (Low)
9. 16:00 – UV 2 (Low)
10. 17:00 – UV 1 (Low)

This pattern is typical across the UK, though exact timings shift slightly with latitude and season. The Met Office UV Index Guide provides further detail on how sun angle affects UV strength throughout the day.

How reliable are UV index forecasts?

UV forecasts are estimates based on weather models, not real-time measurements. Several factors can cause actual UV levels to differ from predictions.

For the most accurate reading at your precise location, using a GPS-enabled weather app from the Met Office or a trusted provider is the best approach. Forecasts remain a reliable guide for planning, but awareness of local conditions matters.

Why does the UV index matter for health?

Ultraviolet radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin ageing. The Cancer Research UK – Sun Safety page notes that overexposure to UV is the main preventable cause of skin cancer in the UK. At the same time, moderate UV exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.

The NHS Sun Safety Advice recommends balancing sun exposure to get enough vitamin D without increasing skin cancer risk. For most people, a few minutes outdoors on sunny days is sufficient, and longer exposure requires protection.

UK residents often underestimate UV risk in spring and autumn, when the sun is lower but UV can still reach moderate levels. The Skcin UV Index Forecast page emphasises that daily checks are a simple way to reduce long-term risk.

What do official sources say about UV safety?

Health authorities and weather services consistently emphasise the importance of UV awareness. Their guidance is based on decades of research into the effects of ultraviolet radiation on human health.

“We do round up our UV values but due to this low ozone event, the UV forecast can still be lower than the actual levels.”

— Met Office

“When the UV index is 3 or above, protect your skin and eyes.”

— World Health Organization

The World Health Organization – UV Index page provides a full overview of the global standard, while the Met Office offers real-time forecasts and educational resources for UK residents.

What should you remember about today’s UV index?

Today’s UV index across the United Kingdom is low to moderate, with southern cities peaking around 5 and northern regions remaining below 2. Protection is advised when the index reaches 3 or higher. For the most accurate reading for your specific location, check a live weather app. For more detail on staying safe, read the UV Index Safety and Protection Tips section of this article.

Frequently asked questions