In order to develop a tan in the sun, your skin needs to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). To get the best and safest tan possible, you need to be aware of the UV index, which is a rating of how strong the UV rays are at any given time.
The UV index at night, when the sun has set, is the lowest, and how high the UV index reaches during the day depends on where you are and the weather conditions. When tanning, you would want a high UV index to build a tan, but not so high that it is dangerous for your skin.
What UV index is good for tanning? The best UV index for tanning would be between 3-7, but what is best for you depends on your skin type, where you are, the altitude, and how much sun protection you have on your skin. Too high of a UV index will burn your skin, and too low won’t give you a tan.
Understanding the UV index and how it affects your tan is so important for developing a beautiful, yet safe, tan, so keep reading to find out all you need to know!
What Is The UV Index?
The UV index (UVI) is a measurement of how strong ultraviolet radiation is in a particular location. The index measures UV rays on a scale from 0-12, with 0 being no exposure to UV radiation, and 12 being extremely high exposure.
This index is used to measure the strength of UV radiation reaching the ground at a certain time and place. The index was created to help people protect themselves from UV radiation, by understanding how strong UV rays are when they are planning on being outdoors.
The UVI can be used to help with tanning too, as UV rays are what darken your skin. By checking the UVI, you will be able to pick the right time to tan, as long as you do not pick a time where the UVI is too high.
When looking at the UVI, 0, being the lowest, can only occur at night. Then 1-2 is low, which is mostly at night too. Moving up, a UVI of 3-5 is moderate, and then 6-7 is high, 8-10 is very high, and after that 11-12 is extremely high (and dangerous).
The UVI is so important because you cannot judge it on your own. You cannot guess the UVI by feeling the sun on your skin, as it is not the same as the heat you feel. The heat you feel on your skin is not from UV rays, but rather infrared light.
Understanding the UVI, and knowing how to check for it, is vital to keeping your skin protected, especially if you are planning on spending time in the sun!
UV Index Chart
The UVI can be shown through a short chart, which sums up the different UV strengths. It works almost like a ruler, where the lowest UV radiation is on one end, and the highest on the other.
As the numbers move up, they are grouped into different ratings. Here is the UVI rating:
| UV Rating | Strength |
| 1 | Low |
| 2 | Low |
| 3 | Moderate |
| 4 | Moderate |
| 5 | Moderate |
| 6 | High |
| 7 | High |
| 8 | Very High |
| 9 | Very High |
| 10 | Very High |
| 11+ | Extreme |
What Is The Best UV Index For Tanning?
To tan properly in the sun, your skin needs to be exposed to both UVA and UVB rays. The two have different effects on the skin, as UVA rays darken the pigment of your skin, while UVB increases pigment production.
Using the UVI, you would be able to find the best time and environment for you to tan, with enough UV exposure to tan your skin, but not so much that it becomes dangerous for you. It is important to note that sun exposure will always be damaging to your skin, but you can lessen how much damage is done.
When the best time is to tan depends on the UVI, your location, altitude, and also your skin type. Those with fairer skin should not attempt to tan when the UVI is higher, and if you are at a higher altitude, the UV rays might be more potent.
Your skin will burn faster when the UVI is higher, and while this can allow you to tan quicker, it can lead to sunburn very easily. Alternatively, you could tan for longer in a lower UVI, which lessens the chance of burning, but which obviously takes more time.
As you need to consider your skin type, and the environment around you, the best UV index for tanning would be between 3-7, which is between moderate to high. For fairer skin, a moderate UVI is best, for those who have built a tan already and have better protection from the sun, then a higher UVI might be okay.
No matter the UVI that you choose to tan in, and no matter how long you plan to stay in the sun, you should always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you are trying to build a tan, an SPF15-30 will help to protect your skin from excessive damage, but still, allow you to tan.
So while it is recommended to tan with a UVI between 3-7, you need to take your skin type into consideration first. Starting off with a lower UVI is best, and you can work your way up from there if needed.
When Is The Best Time To Tan?
Keeping in mind that tanning in the sun is always damaging to your skin, there are some times during the day that are better to tan than others.
It is recommended to tan before 10 am and after 3 pm in summer, and between 11 am and 3 am in the winter. Following these guidelines in the specific seasons means that you will be avoiding the sun when it is strongest, and to make the most of the lower UVI.
If you’d like to tan later but aren’t sure whether or not it will be effective, take a look at our other article: Can You Tan Or Burn After 4pm?
When tanning in the sun, you should only spend between 15-30 minutes exposed to the UV rays. This is enough time to gradually build a tan, while still protecting your skin from being over-exposed and developing too much sunburn.
How To Find Out The UV Index Near You
Finding the UV index near you is really quite simple. You do not have to do any calculations or scientific experiments, you simply have to open your weather app!
Almost all weather apps or weather sites will show the UVI for the day. This is a sure way to tell how strong the UV radiation will be for the day and it allows you to plan accordingly.
How To Make The Most Of A Low UVI
If you are set on tanning in the sun, then you should definitely try to tan at a lower UVI to protect your skin from sun damage.
There is no point in trying to tan at a UVI below 3, so the safest is to tan at a UVI between 3-5. You can go up to a UVI of 7, but this is reaching a more dangerous range and is really only suited for those who have built up a protective base tan already.
To keep your skin as protected as possible, you should tan at a UVI between 3-5, but there are some ways that can maximize your time spent in the sun. The best way to do this is to use a tanning lotion or tanning accelerator.
These allow your skin to develop a darker tan with a shorter amount of time in the sun, and they also help to nourish and hydrate your skin through the tanning process.
To be even better protected, but to still develop a tan, you should apply a light SPF over your skin with sunscreen.
Does Temperature Affect Tanning?
Most of us think of sitting in the sun on a hot day, sweating while developing a tan. But did you know that temperature actually has nothing to do with tanning?
No matter if it is a freezing cold day in the middle of winter, or the hottest day in summer, the temperature does not play a role in the UV rays that tan your skin.
Yes, it is more likely that the UV rays will be stronger on the hottest day of the year, as the sun is at its strongest, but you can also get a sunburn in the snow on very cold days too.
Tans are formed when the skin is exposed to UV rays, which trigger the skin to produce more melatonin, which then darkens the color of the skin. UV rays can be sent out no matter the time of the year or the temperature, which is why you should always check the UVI before heading outdoors.
Sometimes, being sunburned in the snow is even easier, as the snow reflects and amplifies UV radiation, making it extra strong against the skin. Make sure to use sun protection when you are outdoors, to prevent any surprise sunburns!
Does Cloudy Weather Affect The UV Index?
Cloudy weather can affect the UV index and how much UV radiation reaches the ground, but it depends on the type of clouds and the coverage.
Fully overcast skies with thick clouds reduce the UVI, as the UV rays cannot penetrate the clouds as much. Scattered, light, and broken clouds allow for more UV rays to reach through, which means the UVI can be raised.
UVA rays can still penetrate through the clouds, so you can burn or tan on a cloudy day. UVB rays have more of a harder time penetrating clouds, but when it isn’t fully overcast, some can still make it through.
UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn and are the rays that can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can be the cause of premature aging. While UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays are what darken the skin.
So while it might be sunny outside, there could still be some UVA rays penetrating through the clouds, and this means you could still tan. The thickness and coverage of the clouds affect the UVI, but it is always best to play it safe and wear sunscreen.
For more information, take a look at our other article: Can You tan Through Clouds?
Which Is The Safest UVI?
There really is no safe UVI, other than 0, as all UV radiation can be harmful to the skin. However, the safest UVI would be between 0-2. These are the levels where UV radiation is at the lowest,
While the UV radiation is still low at these levels, it can help to wear some minimal sun protection just to be safe, even if it is a moisturizer with added SPF.
You do not have to worry about sunburn at night, but if it is a low UV index during the day, there is still a chance the UV radiation could increase, so make sure your skin is protected.
Can You Actually Tan Safely?
There really is no way to tan safely in the sun, as a tan itself shows that the skin has been damaged by the sun. There are times during the day, and certain UVI levels, which make tanning a little safer, but it is never fully safe.
To avoid any damage to your skin from the sun, you should stay out of the sun altogether, or use full protection sunscreen, such as SPF 50 when heading outdoors, remembering to reapply the sunscreen often.
Yes, this means that you will not develop a tan, but your skin will be better for it. To get a dark, bronzed tan, you could use sunless tanning options, such as self-tanners (we love this one from St. Tropez) or spray tanning, which will still give you the look you want, just without the sun damage.
When Is UV Radiation Highest?
There are many factors that can affect how high UV radiation is, but generally, UV radiation, and therefore the UVI, is highest between 10 am and 3 pm during the summer months, especially on a cloudless day.
Make sure to check the UVI before heading outside, even if it is cloudy and cold!
What UV Index Is Best For Tanning?
The UV index is a great way to keep track of how strong the UV radiation is outdoors, and when it would be the best time for you to tan.
The UVI ranges from 0-12, with 0 being the lowest level of radiation, and 12 being the highest. When it comes to tanning, it is recommended that you tan at UVI levels between 3-7. For fairer skin types, moderate levels of 3 and 4 are better, and for tanned skin, you can go up to 7.
To check the UV index for the day, you can have a look at your weather app. Make sure to check UVI before leaving the house, and wear sunscreen if it is moderate or higher!
Related Questions
Can you get a tan at UVI 6?
You can get a tan at the UV index level of 6, but you can also burn easily at this level. It is considered a high UV radiation level. If you have a good base tan and naturally darker skin, then you can tan for a maximum of 30 minutes at UV level 6.
Does tanning permanently darken your skin?
Tanning does not permanently darken your skin. The tan will fade as your skin naturally exfoliates, and your skin will lose its darker color.
