Guide · UV index · Germany & worldwide
Windy does not show a numeric UV index. Sun protection depends on clouds, sun angle and season – below you will find the weather maps that really matter, plus notes on official UV forecasts.
For today's sun protection, cloud cover and sun angle are decisive – the cloud radar shows whether dense layers lie over your region. Thin haze often lets UV through almost unhindered even when it feels cool.
For the numeric UV index use official DWD forecasts. The ozone layer map explains long-term UV trends in the stratosphere – for a beach day today, clouds and heat matter more.
Dense clouds dampen UV radiation. Thin high fog or haze often lets UV through almost unhindered.
Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. the sun is highest – UV is strongest then, even with moderate cloud cover.
In the mountains and on water with reflection, effective exposure rises – use the temperature map to cross-check.
From UV index 3, basic protection pays off: sunscreen, head cover, sunglasses. From 6 you should avoid midday sun or stay in shade. Children and fair skin types react more sensitively.
Snow, sand and water reflect UV additionally. For a day at the water combine cloud and temperature maps with the swimming weather guide.
In winter the UV index in Central Europe is usually low. From April it rises noticeably, peaking June through August. Even on cloudy summer days load can stay high for hours when clouds are thin.
In the Alps and on south-facing slopes UV exposure is often higher than in lowlands – the map shows large-scale cloud patterns; local shade from terrain you need to factor in on site.
The numeric UV index comes from Germany's national weather service – there you plan sun protection with concrete levels. During heat waves and severe weather the NINA warning app adds official alerts.
Our cloud and heat maps help with on-site assessment; official DWD values remain the reference for today's UV index.
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