UV index for Gainesville peaks at UV 6 at 12:00 local time. Data as of (America/New_York). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

uvi·today

UV Index in Gainesville

Live UV index for Gainesville, United States — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 5-day outlook. Now: UV 0 (Low). Peak today: UV 6 at 12:00.

Now · 22:00 · Gainesville
0
Low
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 11:00–16:00

Protection guidelines:

Max tomorrow · 12:00 — UV 3 · Moderate · Clear sky: 8 at 13:00

  • Seek shade during midday hours
  • Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Gainesville. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Fri, Oct 9
1
10Overcast25°93%4
3
11Rain26°86%4
6
12Overcast26°88%4
4
13Overcast26°84%4
4
14Overcast28°79%4
3
15Overcast26°84%7
1
16Overcast26°81%6
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
6at 12:00
Max tomorrow
3at 12:00
Daylight today
11h 38m07:27–19:05
Solar noon
13:16

Sun & moon in Gainesville

Sun height-45°
Sun directionW 292°
Sky stateNight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now -45°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 97° / W 263°
Civil twilight07:03–07:27 / 19:05–19:29
Nautical twilight06:35–07:03 / 19:29–19:56
Astronomical twilight06:08–06:35 / 19:56–20:24
Moon phaseNew moon · 0%
Moonrise / moonset06:24 / 18:24
Next moon quarterNew moon · Oct 10, 11:50

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 9

Peak UV 5.5 at 12:00 · Gainesville · Local time (EDT)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

02468Max: 66:0023°9:0024°12:0026°15:0026°18:0025°21:0024°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 10

Peak UV 3.3 at 12:00 · Gainesville · Local time (EDT)

02468Max: 36:0025°9:0026°12:0028°15:0025°18:0027°21:0025°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Gainesville — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 9

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast23°
08:000.1 – Low0.2Overcast23°
09:000.4 – Low1.0Overcast24°
10:001.3 – Low2.6Overcast25°
11:003.0 – Moderate4.8Rain26°
12:005.5 – High6.7Overcast26°
13:003.9 – Moderate7.4Overcast26°
14:003.5 – Moderate6.8Overcast28°
15:002.9 – Moderate5.2Overcast26°
16:001.3 – Low3.2Overcast26°
17:000.5 – Low1.3Heavy rain26°
18:000.1 – Low0.3Overcast25°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Heavy rain24°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast24°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast24°

Tomorrow — Oct 10

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast25°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast25°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast24°
08:000.1 – Low0.2Overcast24°
09:000.4 – Low1.0Mainly clear26°
10:001.1 – Low2.6Partly cloudy27°
11:002.8 – Moderate4.9Partly cloudy28°
12:003.3 – Moderate6.8Overcast28°
13:002.3 – Low7.7Overcast29°
14:001.7 – Low7.2Partly cloudy29°
15:002.6 – Moderate5.5Light drizzle25°
16:002.4 – Low3.3Overcast27°
17:000.8 – Low1.4Overcast26°
18:000.2 – Low0.3Overcast27°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast26°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast25°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy25°

5-Day UV Forecast for Gainesville

The 5-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 9Peak UV 6 at 12:00Sun protection: 11:00–16:0028° / 22°
6Overcast23°9Overcast24°12Overcast26°15Overcast26°18Overcast25°
Saturday, Oct 10Peak UV 3 at 12:00Sun protection: 11:00–16:0029° / 24°
6Overcast25°9Mainly clear26°12Overcast28°15Light drizzle25°18Overcast27°
Sunday, Oct 11Peak UV 6 at 14:00Sun protection: 12:00–17:0026° / 21°
6Dense drizzle24°9Overcast24°12Overcast25°15Overcast25°18Overcast24°
Monday, Oct 12Peak UV 7 at 13:00Sun protection: 11:00–17:0032° / 18°
6Clear sky19°9Overcast21°12Overcast29°15Clear sky32°18Clear sky28°
Tuesday, Oct 13Peak UV 7 at 13:00Sun protection: 10:00–17:0032° / 19°
6Clear sky19°9Clear sky22°12Clear sky30°15Clear sky32°18Clear sky29°

Peak midday UV by month in Gainesville

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 5–8. That's very intense: around midday you need shade, covering clothes and sunscreen.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 4, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

368113–5Jan5–7Feb6–9Mar8–11Apr9–12May10–12Jun10–12Jul9–11Aug8–11Sep5–8Oct4–6Nov3–4Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunMay–Jul · up to 12
Weakest sunDec · up to 4
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)Mar–Oct

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Gainesville temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Gainesville: today, tomorrow and through the year

After a daytime high of 6 (high) near 12:00, UV in Gainesville has dropped away for the day. Even with the cloud, UV was still strong enough at midday to burn unprotected skin.UV backs down tomorrow, peaking near UV 3 (moderate) around 12:00, but the hours from 11:00 to 16:00 still call for protection. Sunnier days with stronger UV are on the way later in the week.Across the year, October comes after the UV high in Gainesville, and levels are easing back towards the quietest months.

Location, daylight and sky in Gainesville

Key facts

CountryUnited States, Florida
TimezoneAmerica/New York (UTC-4)
Coordinates29.65° N, 82.32° W
Elevation54 m
Population≈ 145K
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Gainesville

Sunrise / sunset07:27 / 19:05
Daylight today11h 38m
Daylight tomorrow11h 37m (-1 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)13:16
Golden hour18:33–19:19
Low UV hours (UV < 3)07:00–11:00
16:00–19:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)11:00–16:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day14h 03m (Jun 21)
Shortest day10h 14m (Dec 21)

Similar daylight hours as Houston, United States — on the same parallel

UV index map for Gainesville and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Gainesville and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Jacksonville · Tallahassee · Palm Bay · Tampa · Brandon

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Gainesville on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Gainesville right now?

As of 22:00 local time, the UV index in Gainesville is 0 (Low). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Gainesville today?

On 2026-10-09, the peak UV index forecast for Gainesville is 6, expected around 12:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle.

What is the UV index in Gainesville tomorrow?

On 2026-10-10, the UV index in Gainesville is forecast to peak at 3 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Gainesville by month?

Peak midday UV index in Gainesville, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January3–5
February5–7
March6–9
April8–11
May9–12
June10–12
July10–12
August9–11
September8–11
October5–8
November4–6
December3–4
The weakest sun is in December, when midday UV stays around 3–4. From there it climbs: January (3–5), February (5–7), March (6–9), and April (8–11). The strongest sun is in May, June, and July, reaching 9–12 on clear days. It eases back through August (9–11), September (8–11), October (5–8), and November (4–6).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Gainesville in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Gainesville reaches 5–8 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Gainesville?

UV in Gainesville is highest in May–July, when the midday index reaches up to 12 on clear days. The weakest sun is in December, around 3–4 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Gainesville?

All year round: midday UV in Gainesville reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In March–October it can reach UV 8 or more, when the WHO advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 0 (Low)
Max today
UV 5.5 · 12:00
Max tomorrow
UV 3.3 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 7.4
Sunrise / Sunset
07:27 / 19:05
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
11:00–16:00
5-Day UV Forecast
Fri 5.5 · Sat 3.3 · Sun 6 · Mon 7.2 · Tue 7.2
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002