When does Houston need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Houston that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.

Does Houston need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 29.8°N, winter middays in Houston still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.

Does city shade protect you from UV in Houston?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

UV index in Houston today

Houston's humid subtropical climate keeps the UV index at 3 or above for most of the year. Cloud cover can break up the heat without breaking up ultraviolet, and midday summer readings routinely hit the extreme band.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Houston

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Houston. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Houston can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Houston needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed most days in Houston, including many winter middays when the UV index stays moderate to high.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

Where the UV adds up in Houston

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

Buffalo Bayou Park
Galveston day trips
Memorial Park trails
Discovery Green

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Houston need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Houston that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Houston need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 29.8°N, winter middays in Houston still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Houston?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.