When does London need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In London that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The UK Health Security Agency and WHO use the same UV Index scale worldwide.

Does London need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in London often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.

Does city shade protect you from UV in London?

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 London today

London's parks, riverside paths and packed summer calendars stack up more midday UV than the grey reputation suggests. Clear high-pressure days push the index well above the protection threshold, and shade under plane trees is patchy at lunch hour.

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

Today and tomorrow in London

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for London. 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 London can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When London needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from April through September in London, and on any clear day the UV index reaches 3 or above.

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 London

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

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
South Bank and Thames Path
Hampstead Heath
Regent's Park

The UV scale at a glance

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

Frequently asked questions

When does London need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In London that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The UK Health Security Agency and WHO use the same UV Index scale worldwide.
Does London need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in London often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in London?: 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.