Home / Editor's Pick /

Don't forget about UV light this season

Winter sun safety
Don't forget about UV light this season

Woman in snowEven on the snowiest winter days, UV radiation can still be damaging.

Overcast conditions and the winter chill usually don’t inspire the need to check UV levels, but even at this time of the year precautions should be taken.

Believe it or not roughly 90% of UV light can cut through clouds, it can even bounce off puddles and snow so don’t assume it is safe to head out without sunscreen just because it’s a grey day.

You may also assume that it is safe if it is cold. UV rays have nothing to do with the heat emitted by the Sun. It can be in the minus temperatures and still be dangerous due to UV.

When is it safe?

The UV-Index rating makes it easy to see when protection is required. Any day with an index of three or higher you should use sunscreen.

You can check the UV-Index rating near you daily within your local forecast information on the Weather & Radar app.

Weather & Radar editorial team
This might also interest you
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday, 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Radar map showing widespread blue rain bands over the UK and Ireland with a triangular heavy-rain warning icon placed over central Britain.
Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Thursday rain

Incoming downpour prompts warnings
Map of Europe showing low pressure over Russia and a strong cold air flow towards Eastern Europe. Significant drop in temperatures across large parts of the east.
Thursday, 11 December 2025

Frost and snowfall

Cold air intrusion in Eastern Europe
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList