BEST RESOURCES FOR MEASURING UV INDEX

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, knowledge is your best defense. (View our extensive article about UV index here.) The UV Index, a measure of ultraviolet radiation strength, can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection. But how do you keep track of it? Thankfully, there are plenty of tools and apps available to provide real-time UV Index updates, whether you’re planning a beach day, a hike, or just running errands.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the best resources for measuring the UV Index, from intuitive smartphone apps to wearable tech. With links for both iOS and Android, it’s easier than ever to stay informed and stay safe under the sun.

1. Apple Weather App ios
   Platform: iOS
   Features: The built-in Apple Weather app provides UV Index readings alongside your daily weather forecast. Users can easily scroll to see the UV level at any point during the day, helping you plan outdoor activities safely.
   Why it's useful: As a pre-installed app on iPhones, it’s readily accessible and doesn’t require an additional download. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple features for a streamlined experience.


2. The Weather Channel App android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: The Weather Channel app provides real-time UV Index readings along with your local weather forecast. It also includes an option to track UV levels throughout the day and gives sun protection advice based on the current UV Index.
   Why it's useful: It offers detailed weather data, including temperature, humidity, and air quality, in addition to the UV Index.


3. AccuWeather android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: AccuWeather’s app includes the UV Index in its daily and hourly weather reports. The app also provides an index for upcoming days, helping you plan sun protection in advance.
   Why it's useful: AccuWeather's detailed weather forecasts and user-friendly interface make it easy to track UV levels.


4. EPA SunWise UV Index
   android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a UV Index tool on their website, with easy-to-read charts and real-time data based on your location. The tool explains the risk associated with each UV Index level.
   Why it's useful: It provides official, scientifically accurate UV Index data and health recommendations directly from a trusted government agency.


5. UVLens
   android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: UVLens provides hourly UV Index forecasts based on your location. It gives personalized sun safety tips, including when to wear sunscreen, seek shade, or wear protective clothing. It also helps you track UV exposure over time.
   Why it's useful: UVLens is easy to use, with color-coded risk levels and intuitive advice on protecting your skin from the sun.


6. Weather Underground
   android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: Weather Underground offers detailed weather forecasts, including UV Index data. It includes an interactive map with UV levels, providing localized, real-time sun exposure data.
   Why it's useful: This app provides hyper-localized weather data, including UV Index, and gives you updates from personal weather stations for more precise information.


7. SunSmart
   android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: Developed by Cancer Council Victoria, the SunSmart app provides UV Index information for various locations. It gives a daily sun protection alert and provides UV levels based on your location.
   Why it's useful: This app offers a sun safety timer to help you know when it's safe to be outdoors and when to seek shade or reapply sunscreen.


8. Clime: NOAA Weather
   android | ios
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Features: Clime uses real-time weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including UV Index information. The app also offers weather radar, live maps, and forecasts.
   Why it's useful: It gives detailed and reliable weather data, and its radar and live maps feature allow you to see weather patterns and UV levels in real time.


9. MyUV (by MyUV.com)
   Platform: Web-based
   Features: MyUV provides a customizable UV Index forecast for your area, with personalized recommendations for sun safety based on your skin type and location. It also helps track daily sun exposure.
   Why it's useful: MyUV is tailored to your skin’s needs, giving you advice on how much sun exposure is safe for you based on your skin type and UV Index.


10. Google Weather
    Platform: Web and integrated into Google Search
    Features: You can check the UV Index simply by searching "UV Index" in Google or asking Google Assistant. It shows UV levels as part of the standard weather data, along with a breakdown of sun protection recommendations.
    Why it's useful: Fast and easy access to UV Index information without needing to download a separate app.


11. WunderMap (Weather Underground)
    Platform: Web
    Features: Similar to the Weather Underground app but accessible through a web interface, WunderMap provides UV Index data alongside other weather-related information in an interactive map format.
    Why it's useful: It offers a more comprehensive and detailed weather mapping system, including UV levels, in a visually intuitive format.