Resources / How UV Index Works

How UV Index Works

UV Index is a simple scale for how strong the sun's ultraviolet radiation is at a place and time. Higher numbers mean you should be more deliberate about protection.

Sunclub UV Forecast Detail screen showing UV Index 7 High and hourly forecast rows.

Reading the scale

0-2 Low

Use normal outdoor awareness.

3-5 Moderate

Consider protection if you will be outside longer.

6-7 High

Apply sunscreen and plan to reapply.

8-10 Very High

Use extra caution and seek shade when practical.

11+ Extreme

Limit exposure and use strong protection.

What Sunclub shows

Sunclub pairs the number with a severity label, location context, forecast rows, and a short next step such as reapplying sunscreen every two hours during high exposure. Live UV availability can vary by location, permissions, network access, and Apple Weather.

Why values change

UV can shift with time of day, clouds, season, elevation, shade, and location. Forecasts are useful planning signals, not a guarantee of exact exposure.

How to use it

Check UV before longer outdoor time, log sunscreen when you apply, and follow your sunscreen's directions for reapplication, sweating, swimming, and coverage.

When data is unavailable

Manual logging still works. Sunclub can fall back to the latest available context and let you continue tracking your habit.