UV Index Today in Atlanta, Georgia

Current UV
Today's Max

Hourly UV Forecast

low moderate high very high extreme

Surface Type

Reflective surfaces increase your UV exposure — snow reflects up to 90%, sand about 20%.

Safe Exposure Time

Estimated burn times based on the Fitzpatrick scale for skin color and today's maximum UV index of . Tap your skin type:

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Time until burn
With SPF 15*
With SPF 30*

*Assumes proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with reapplication every 2 hours. Estimates follow WHO guidance and satellite-derived data — see how our data works.

Sun Times

Dawn
Sunrise
Solar Noon
Sunset
Dusk
Day Length
Morning Golden Hour Ends
Evening Golden Hour

Important Safety Information

General Guidelines

These exposure times are estimates based on scientific research and should be used as general guidelines only. Individual responses to UV exposure may vary.

Affecting Factors

UV exposure is affected by: time of day, season, altitude, cloud cover, reflection from surfaces, and individual skin sensitivity.

Protection Tips

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM), wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and monitor the UV index regularly.

Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice, especially if you have a history of skin conditions or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Atlanta's UV Climate

Atlanta sits on the Piedmont plateau of north Georgia at roughly 1,000 feet of elevation, giving it slightly stronger UV than its latitude alone would suggest. The city's tree canopy — one of the densest of any major US metro — provides meaningful shade in neighborhoods, but open venues like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and countless patios leave Atlantans exposed during the long, hot summer. Humid subtropical haze softens the sky but does far less to block UV than most people assume.

Average Annual UV Index

7.0

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

217

Typical UV Index by Season in Atlanta

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High (8-10) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall Moderate to High (5-8) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Low to Moderate (2-4) Sunscreen for long midday exposure; more on snow

UV Index in Nearby Cities

Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities

Make the most of outdoor activities while staying safe in Fulton County:

UV and Weather in Fulton County

Learn about Fulton County's unique climate patterns, UV radiation levels, and how they affect your daily life. Enter your zip code for location-specific weather radar data and UV forecasts to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection.

Climate and UV Patterns

Atlanta's humid subtropical climate delivers hot, muggy summers and mild winters. From May through August, midday UV index values regularly reach 9-10 on clear days, and the elevated humidity creates a deceptive environment: skies can look milky-white rather than blue while UV remains in the very high range. Spring arrives early, with UV climbing into the high range by April, well before summer temperatures make sun exposure feel dangerous.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Atlanta through the year:

  • Summer: Very High (8-10)
  • Spring/Fall: Moderate to High (5-8)
  • Winter: Low to Moderate (2-4)
  • Peak UV hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Cloud cover can reduce UV by 20-40%, but does not eliminate it
  • Clear skies bring maximum UV exposure

Local Weather Patterns

Summer afternoons in Atlanta frequently produce pop-up thunderstorms, but these typically develop after the peak UV window has already passed. The city's famous pollen season in early spring coincides with rapidly strengthening UV, catching people outdoors during yard work and festivals. Winter is changeable — cold snaps alternate with mild sunny stretches where UV reaches the moderate range, enough to matter during extended midday time outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Atlanta

What is the UV index in Atlanta today?

The live UV index for Atlanta, GA is shown at the top of this page and updates throughout the day, along with today's maximum and an hourly forecast.

When is the sun strongest in Atlanta?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Atlanta's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Very High (8-10).

How high does the UV index get in Atlanta?

Summer days in Atlanta typically reach Very High (8-10). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate to High (5-8), while winter values are typically Low to Moderate (2-4).

Do I need sunscreen in Atlanta during winter?

On clear winter days Atlanta's UV can reach the moderate range by midday, so sunscreen is a good idea for extended outdoor time, though brief errands carry little risk.

How sunny is Atlanta compared to other cities?

Atlanta averages about 217 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.0.