What Is a Good UV Index?
"Good" depends on what you want: a good UV index for tanning isn't the same as a safe one for being outside all day. Here's the full chart and what every level actually means.
⚡ Quick answer
For tanning, a UV index of 3–5 (moderate) is the sweet spot — enough to tan, slow enough to control. 0–2 is low, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high, 11+ extreme. You need at least UV 3 to tan; protection is wise at UV 3 and up.
The UV index chart
| UV Index | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | Minimal risk. Too weak to build much of a tan. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | The tanning sweet spot. Wear SPF; you can tan in control. |
| 6–7 | High | Tans fast, burns fast. SPF and time limits matter. |
| 8–10 | Very high | Short burn window. Brief sessions, frequent SPF. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Can burn in minutes. Tan with real caution, if at all. |
What is the UV index, exactly?
The UV index is a standardized 0–11+ scale for the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at your location. It's set by the sun's angle, time of day, season, altitude, and cloud cover. The same number drives both how fast you tan and how fast you burn — which is why it's the one number worth checking before any sun.
💡
"Is UV 6 high?" Yes — 6 and 7 are officially "high." You'll tan quickly, but the burn risk is real. Think short sessions and sunscreen, not all-afternoon baking.
See your live UV index right now
SPF shows your location's real-time UV index and forecast, tells you whether it's a good level to tan, and runs a timer for exactly how long. The whole chart, applied to your day, automatically. Free, 400,000+ tanners.
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So what's the "best" UV to tan in?
For most people it's UV 3–6: enough to build color without a tiny burn window. Fair skin should lean toward the lower end. For the deep dive on tan times at each level, read the UV index tanning guide.
The bottom line
A "good" UV index for tanning is 3 to 5, stretching to 6–7 if you're careful. Anything under 3 won't tan you; anything over 8 burns fast. Check the number, not the weather — and let it set your session.
Turn the UV index into a plan
Live UV, a personalized timer, and burn alerts — free.
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