UV Index in Columbus

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
0
Low
UV Index
🌡️
14°C
Temperature
🌤️
Mainly clear
Conditions
☀️
Peak Tanning Window 3PM • UV 7

Hourly UV Forecast

☀️ Excellent tanning conditions • 11AM–6PM • 23°C • 9 km/h 🌬️
0
6AM
0
7AM
1
8AM
2
9AM
3
10AM
4
11AM
6
12PM
6
1PM
4
2PM
7
3PM
6
4PM
5
5PM
3
6PM
2
7PM
1
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
Excellent
7
Tue 2
Excellent
8
Wed 3
Excellent
8
Thu 4
Excellent
7
Fri 5
Excellent
5
Sat 6
Excellent
7
Sun 7
Excellent
2
Mon 8
Poor
5
Tue 9
Excellent
7
Wed 10
Excellent
7
Thu 11
Excellent
7
Fri 12
Excellent
7
Sat 13
Excellent
7
Sun 14
Excellent
8
Mon 15
Excellent
0
Tue 16
Excellent

Location & Climate

Columbus enjoys a solid tanning season from March through November, with high UV levels peaking in the summer, though overcast days are common. Seek out the expansive lawns of Franklin Park during the peak sun hours on a clear afternoon for tanning.

Tanning Tips

Columbus has a distinct tanning season from March to November. Winter UV is too low for effective tanning.

Weather data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)

Monthly UV Index in Columbus

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
3
Feb
4
Mar
5
Apr
6
May
8
Jun
9
Jul
9
Aug
9
Sep
8
Oct
6
Nov
5
Dec
4
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Columbus

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

March Good April Good May Great June Excellent July Excellent August Excellent September Great October Good November Good

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Related Guides

Tanning in UV 9-10+ → Aggressive Tanning — What to Know → Safe Tanning Tips → Foods That Help You Tan → 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 Columbus right now?
The current UV index in Columbus 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 Columbus?
The best months for tanning in Columbus are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, when average UV levels reach 5 or higher.
How long should I tan in Columbus?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 7, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 21 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 Columbus?
UV levels in Columbus 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

9
Dayton
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Sandusky
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Put-in-Bay
Avg. Peak UV
› 9
Cincinnati
Avg. Peak UV
› 9
Covington
Avg. Peak UV
› 8
Toledo
Avg. Peak UV
›

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