UV index converter
Convert the UV index into sunburn-weighted irradiance and the minutes it takes to burn.
That's about the same as a European summer day. That is high: cover up and use sunscreen.
What it means
How strong is that sun?
Information only. Burn times are for unprotected skin in full sun and vary a lot between people; sunscreen, shade and reflection from snow or water change them.
Every unit
Your UV index in every unit
Learn
Three things worth knowing
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Protect yourself from 3
The WHO advises shade, clothing and sunscreen whenever the index reaches 3. At 8, fair skin can burn in about 20 minutes.
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Canada, 1992
The index was introduced by Environment Canada in 1992 and standardized by the WHO and WMO a few years later, so the same number means the same risk everywhere.
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Cloud is not protection
Thin cloud lets most UV through, and snow reflects up to 80% of it back up at you. A cool, breezy day can still carry a high index.
Shortcuts
Popular UV index conversions
Background
About the UV index
The UV index measures the part of sunlight that burns skin. Each point is 25 mW/m² of ultraviolet, weighted by how strongly each wavelength causes sunburn.
The WHO bands: 1–2 low, 3–5 moderate, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high, 11 and above extreme. How long it takes to burn depends on skin type, so choose yours above.