UV Index in Austin Today
Live UV index for Austin, today’s hourly forecast, the safest window to be outside and the week ahead.
Today, hour by hour
7-day UV forecast
Tanning in Austin safely
Read the live index above, then use the tanning time calculator with your Fitzpatrick skin type to see how long you can stay out before burning. The lower the UV, the longer your safe window — so the gentler hours flagged above are usually the smarter time to tan.
What the UV bands mean
| UV index | Band | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | Minimal risk. Safe to be outside; sunglasses on bright days. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Stay in shade near midday. SPF 30, hat and sunglasses. |
| 6–7 | High | Protection needed. SPF 30+, shade 10am–4pm, cover up. |
| 8–10 | Very High | Extra protection. Avoid midday sun; SPF 50, hat, shade. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Take all precautions. Avoid the sun midday; unprotected skin burns fast. |
Frequently asked questions
When is the UV index highest in Austin?
In Austin the UV index usually peaks around solar noon — roughly 11am–2pm local time — and is strongest in the summer months. Use the hour-by-hour chart above to see today’s exact peak.
How long can I tan in Austin without burning?
It depends on your skin type and the live UV. Read the current index above, then enter it and your Fitzpatrick skin type into the tanning time calculator for a personal estimate.
Is the Austin UV index a live reading?
It’s a frequently-updated forecast for Austin’s coordinates from the Open-Meteo model, not a ground sensor — accurate enough to plan your day, but check again before long exposure.
Your tan, planned by the hour.
Everything on this site, plus live UV by the hour, a burn-timer that counts down for your skin, SPF reapply reminders and push alerts the moment your safe window opens.