UV Index in Chicago

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
0
Low
UV Index
🌡️
14°C
Temperature
☁️
Overcast
Conditions
☀️
Peak Tanning Window 12PM • UV 7

Hourly UV Forecast

☀️ Good tanning conditions • 10AM–3PM • 18°C • 9 km/h 🌬️
0
6AM
1
7AM
2
8AM
3
9AM
5
10AM
6
11AM
7
12PM
4
1PM
4
2PM
3
3PM
1
4PM
1
5PM
2
6PM
1
7PM
0
8PM
0
9PM
Low 0–2 Moderate 3–5 High 6–7 Very High 8–10 Extreme 11+

16-Day UV Forecast

7
Mon 1
Good
8
Tue 2
Excellent
8
Wed 3
Excellent
8
Thu 4
Excellent
7
Fri 5
Excellent
5
Sat 6
Excellent
4
Sun 7
Fair
7
Mon 8
Excellent
7
Tue 9
Excellent
7
Wed 10
Excellent
7
Thu 11
Excellent
7
Fri 12
Good
7
Sat 13
Good
7
Sun 14
Excellent
7
Mon 15
Excellent
0
Tue 16
Excellent

Location & Climate

Chicago has a continental climate with warm summers that offer high UV levels, but the season for effective tanning is more limited due to colder winters. Make the most of the summer sunshine by visiting North Avenue Beach, and aim for tanning sessions during the peak midday hours when UV intensity is greatest.

Tanning Tips

Chicago has a distinct tanning season from April to September. Winter UV is too low for effective tanning.

Weather data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)

Monthly UV Index in Chicago

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
1
Feb
2
Mar
4
Apr
6
May
8
Jun
9
Jul
9
Aug
8
Sep
6
Oct
4
Nov
2
Dec
1
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Chicago

Based on average UV levels, the best months for tanning in Chicago are:

April Good May Great June Excellent July Excellent August Great September Good

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Related Guides

Tanning in UV 9-10+ → Aggressive Tanning — What to Know → Safe Tanning Tips → Melanin-Boosting Foods → How to Get Rid of a Tan →

Tanning Tools & Calculators

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Tanning Time Calculator

Calculate your ideal tanning time based on skin type and UV index

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Sunburn Calculator

Find out how long until you burn based on your skin type and current UV

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Skin Type Quiz

Discover your Fitzpatrick skin type and get personalized tanning advice

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Tanning Routine Creator

Build a personalized tanning plan based on your skin, UV, and experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV index in Chicago right now?
The current UV index in Chicago is shown in the live weather section above. UV levels change throughout the day, typically peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM local time.
What is the best month to tan in Chicago?
The best months for tanning in Chicago are April, May, June, July, August, September, when average UV levels reach 5 or higher.
How long should I tan in Chicago?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 8, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 19 minutes per session. Use our Tanning Calculator for personalized recommendations.
Is it safe to tan in UV index 9?
UV index 9 is classified as Very High. Very High — avoid prolonged sun exposure. Short tanning sessions with SPF 50+ recommended.
When is the peak UV time in Chicago?
UV levels in Chicago typically peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time. The exact peak depends on the season, cloud cover, and altitude.

UV Index in Nearby Cities

8
Evanston
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Naperville
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Michigan City
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Lake Geneva
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
St. Joseph
Avg. Peak UV
› 9
Milwaukee
Avg. Peak UV
›

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