The Ultraviolet (UV) Index Scale

UV Index 0 to 2 (Low)

• Wear sunglasses on bright days.
• If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

UV Index 3 to 5 (Moderate)

• Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
• If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

UV Index 6 to 7 (High)

• Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

UV Index 7 to 10 (Very High)

• Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

UV Index11+ (Extreme)

• Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

The Shaddow Rule

• If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.