UV Index
UV Index
Today's UV index in Washington, United States 
will be up to 7.8, indicating a high level of sun exposure for the average person. Check our tips for today to make sure you're safe in the sun.
Last checked: 2025-05-09
With Washington's UV index reaching 7.8, protect your skin from harm by staying in shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Washington experiences a UV index that varies seasonally, typically ranging from low in winter to moderate or high in summer, with peaks often occurring around midday in sunny months. The state has distinct seasons: cold, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, especially in eastern Washington, while western parts are milder and wetter year-round. Compared to neighboring Oregon and Idaho, Washington is wetter in the west and drier in the east, with more moderate temperatures near the coast than more extreme temperatures inland or in neighboring states.
See the UV index hour by hour for Washington, along with the temperature and how cloudy it is. If the UV level is higher than moderate, it's best to avoid direct sunlight.