Swanage UV Index
Dorset — Sun Safety & UV Levels
Swanage UV Outlook
Swanage today: UV is forecast to be low. Minimal UV risk today; sun protection is generally not required.
Through the next two weeks, the outlook for Swanage stays mostly moderate. UV tends to be strongest around the middle of the day, and much lower early and late.
Current UV
Minimal UV risk today; sun protection generally not required.
☀️ UV Scale
| 0–2 | Low | Minimal UV risk today in Swanage; sun protection generally not required. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | UV levels are moderate — consider sunscreen if spending extended time outdoors. |
| 6–7 | High | UV levels are high — sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses recommended. |
| 8–10 | Very High | UV levels are very high — take full precautions when outdoors. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Exceptionally high UV; minimise time in direct sun during peak hours. |
Today’s Hourly UV
14-Day UV Forecast
UV Trend
Forecast context and reference links
This page focuses on practical interpretation for Swanage. When the guidance becomes mixed, it is usually a regime question first, rather than a single hourly detail.
- England Climate for regional patterns and seasonal tendencies.
- UK Climate Overview for a national baseline and how regions compare.
- England for location browsing and regional navigation.
How to interpret confidence
For how forecast reliability changes with lead time, see Forecast Confidence. For transparency on how WeatherEngland sources and updates data, see Methodology.
Background guides
- UK Weather Patterns
- UK Seasonal Weather
- UK Weather Hazards
- UK Weather Safety
- UK Jet Stream
- UK Microclimates
Glossary support
Start with the Weather Glossary. Useful terms for this page include UV Index, Solar Radiation, and Cloud.
FAQ
What is the UV index in Swanage today?
The UV index in Swanage today is low with values around 2. UV strength is shaped by the sun’s elevation, cloud thickness and atmospheric clarity.
When is UV strongest in Swanage?
The peak UV window in Swanage is close to midday, as solar elevation peaks. Values rise most in late spring and summer as solar angles increase.
Can UV be high when it’s cloudy in Swanage?
Yes. Even when it looks cloudy, UV can still reach the surface, particularly through thinner cloud layers. Bright or hazy conditions can still produce notable UV, particularly in late spring and summer.
What does the UV index number mean for sun safety?
The UV index describes the potential for skin damage from ultraviolet radiation. As the number rises, skin damage can occur more quickly in direct sun, so shade, clothing and sunscreen become more important.
Does UV in Swanage change a lot day to day?
Sometimes, yes. Short-term changes usually come from cloud cover and atmospheric haze, whereas the larger seasonal cycle tracks solar elevation across the year.