# SunSmart Global UV — Global UV and sun safety

> Global UV index and sun protection times with weather forecasts. (iPhone/iPad app by Cancer Council Victoria.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsmart-global-uv/id1571645042 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cancer Council Victoria](https://appshunter.io/developer/405240626)
- Category: Weather
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.60/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 117 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 43 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2021-10-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsmart-global-uv/id1571645042/reviews.md

## What is SunSmart Global UV?

Protect yourself when the UV is at damaging levels with the SunSmart Global UV app.

Powered by world leading health, radiation and weather organisations, the app provides worldwide UV levels and clear guidance as to when sun protection is and is not required.

Travelling and spending time outdoors is one of life’s great joys. Knowing when sun protection is recommended wherever you are in the world gives you confidence to enjoy the sun safely, minimizing the risk of skin damage which can lead to cancer. 

The SunSmart Global UV app takes the guesswork out of being safe in the sun with daily sun protection times sent to your phone along with simple advice for protecting your skin.

***What are sun protection times?***
Sun protection times are linked to the UV Index and are advised when the UV is forecast to be 3 and above. This is consistent with the WHO UV Index guidance and has been determined as the level at which damage to the skin is likely to occur more quickly.

The app will advise you that sun protection is required during specific times when the UV is forecast to be 3 and above so that you can adequately protect your skin.

***How is it different to other UV apps?***
The UV app has the backing of world-leading health and meteorological organisations making it a trusted and reliable source of advice.

Unlike other apps, the SunSmart Global UV app is designed to simply inform users when sun protection is required and when it is not. 

***What are the key features?***
- Daily UV levels for the local area including sun protection times
- 5-day forecast including UV and weather forecast
- Access to the forecast UV and sun protection times anywhere in the world

## Key features

- Daily UV levels and sun protection times
- 5-day UV and weather forecast
- Global UV forecast access
- Trusted health organization data
- Clear sun protection advice

## What do users think of SunSmart Global UV?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🌍 Global coverage for UV index tracking
- 💰 Completely free with no ads or tracking
- 📊 Accurate UV readings when working properly
- 🎨 Modern, visually appealing design
- 📍 GPS location detection capability
- 🌙 Dark mode support
- 🔍 Transparent about data sources

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and loading failures
- ❌ Inaccurate UV index readings in many locations
- 📍 Data source location mismatch causing inaccurate forecasts
- 🔔 Notification system unreliable or non-functional
- 🚫 Location search and selection broken
- 📱 Missing widget functionality (most requested feature)
- ⌚ No Apple Watch app support
- 🌡️ Temperature display settings malfunction (F/C conversion)
- 🔄 Inconsistent performance across updates
- 📊 Live UV index display too small and hard to read
- 🗺️ Limited location coverage for small towns
- ⚠️ Data accuracy concerns for health-critical information

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes after August 2025 update - stuck on splash screen
- Location search returns no results
- Unable to add or change locations
- Temperature unit conversion broken (Fahrenheit/Celsius)
- Notifications not working or sending incorrect data
- App fails to load data for saved locations
- Incompatibility with iOS 18 and iOS 15.6.1
- App won't open on older devices (iPhone 6)
- Grey screen with no information displayed
- Live UV index showing incorrect values at night
- Data loading errors and infinite error loops
- Daylight saving time causes app failures
- Inconsistent UV readings across different time zones

**Most requested features**

- iOS home screen widget (most frequently requested)
- Apple Watch app
- Push notifications for UV protection reminders
- Sunscreen reapplication reminders
- Graduated UV scale throughout the day
- Lock screen widget for iOS
- Better location change functionality
- Exposure time calculator
- More prominent live UV index display
- iPad version support
- Improved notification system with customization

## Recent user reviews (10 of 117)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsmart-global-uv/id1571645042/reviews.md

### 3/5 — This is a start

*2026-03-30*

I appreciate the live UVI readings. Please provide a widget so that the app doesn’t need to be opened every time!

**Developer response:** Great to hear you are enjoying the app.  Thanks so much for the suggestion — we’ve logged this as a feature request. Widgets are common request and we’ll share your feedback with the product team.

### 1/5 — VERY INACCURATE, DON’T USE

*2026-02-04, version 2.08*

App reads 2.5 UV when other sources claim it’s 11.  This app is actually a danger to use.  At other times it has frequently listed the wrong UV

### 2/5 — No widgets in 2026?

*2026-01-19*

This app looks good and trustworthy but I deleted it basically straight away because it has no widget functionality. Hopefully Cancer Council gets with the times and adds this soon - I’m sure they’d see much higher use of this app and less negative reviews if they did. Basic low level functions that don’t match the vast majority of what else is out there just doesn’t really cut it in the age of technology.

**Developer response:** Thank you for reaching out. We have shared requests for a widget with our product team. We appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback.

### 2/5 — Worried by this app

*2026-01-17*

The openness about data sources is very refreshing, but I’m not happy with the way uv data is presented. I’m currently in the south of Gran Canaria, and whilst the UV forecast looks fine, the weather forecast for the days ahead is well off. It turns out the nearest data source being used is for Las Palmas in the North which has a different climate from where I am. The app however gives a forecast supposedly for the exact part of town I’m in. This data inaccuracy about the weather has reduced my confidence in the UV data too.

**Developer response:** Hi Graham, thank you for reaching out. Please start by opening your app and selecting More → Data Source → Refresh. If you still are noticing a discrepancy, please send us your Installation ID (at the bottom of More menu) and a screenshot of More → Data Source → (i) for your location via email to sunsmart@cancervic.org.au so we can investigate.

### 3/5 — Please create the iOS widget for this app

*2026-01-14, version 2.08*

Please create the iOS widget for this app

### 1/5 — Way off!!

*2025-12-13, version 2.0.4*

Check your data. 3.55pm and your app says Mornington is currently 1.3!!  You’re dreaming!  Currently 8.5. This app is actually dangerously inaccurate.

### 3/5 — More features

*2025-10-21*

It would be great if there were widgets and a watch app, and maybe notifications as well if there aren’t already.

**Developer response:** Hello and thank you for your feature suggestions.  We will forward your ideas to our development team for future consideration.  The app can be programmed to send you a push notification or alert 20 minutes before your selected location’s UV level reaches 3 or above to remind you to use sun protection. You can also select the alert for a custom time and day based on your daily routine.  These can be set up via the UV Alerts tab on the bottom of the screen.

### 3/5 — Enchantments

*2025-10-06, version 2.0.4*

Watch app
Live action widget reminding to put sunscreen on

### 3/5 — Ok - but missing features

*2025-09-28*

The app has no widgets for iPhone.  Please add a few diff size widgets with the chart and with Live UV.  And it also needs an Apple Watch app.  Come on guys - these are standard features these days!

**Developer response:** Hi Kevin, thanks so much for your feedback — we really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. We understand how useful widgets and Apple Watch support can be, especially for quick access to Live UV. We'll definitely pass your suggestions along to our development team for consideration in future updates. Have a great day !

### 5/5 — I wish this app won’t ever go away and the developers won’t abandon it

*2025-09-24, version 2.0.4*

I wish this app won’t ever go away and the developers won’t abandon it

## Frequently asked questions about SunSmart Global UV

### What does the SunSmart Global UV app do?

The app provides worldwide UV levels and clear guidance on when sun protection is required. It uses data from leading health, radiation, and weather organizations to inform users about daily sun protection times based on UV index forecasts.

### What are sun protection times?

Sun protection times are advised when the UV index is forecast to be 3 and above, aligning with WHO guidance. This is the level at which skin damage is likely to occur more quickly. The app will notify you when protection is needed.

### How is this app different from other UV apps?

This app is distinguished by its backing from world-leading health and meteorological organizations, making it a trusted and reliable source. It focuses on simply informing users when sun protection is required and when it is not.

### What are the key features of the app?

Key features include daily UV levels for your local area with sun protection times, a 5-day forecast including UV and weather, and the ability to access UV forecasts and sun protection times from anywhere in the world.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the SunSmart Global UV app is free to use. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, providing a straightforward and cost-free experience for users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.08 — 2025-12-17

In-app feedback survey:
 • We’ve added a short, optional survey to help us better understand how people use SunSmart Global UV and how the app supports sun protection behaviours.

Improvements:
 • General app updates and stability improvements
 • This release includes under-the-hood updates to improve performance and ensure compatibility with the latest platform requirements.

### 2.0.4 — 2025-09-01

Fixed the minor bug issues from update 2.0.3

### 2.0.3 — 2025-08-28

Minor bug fixes

### 2.0.2 — 2024-12-24

Minor improvements and bug fixes

### 2.0.1 — 2024-09-09

SunSmart Global UV App - Version 2.0.1

We're excited to introduce the latest update for the SunSmart Global UV App! 

This release includes important improvements and bug fixes to enhance your experience:
*Temperature Unit Bug Fix: We've resolved an issue where users encountered problems with temperature units. The app now displays temperature units correctly across all locations.
*Translation Updates: Minor enhancements have been made to improve translations, ensuring a more accurate and seamless experience for our global users.
*Location Search Improvements: We've made minor changes to the location search functionality, making it easier for you to find and select your desired location.

Thank you for using the SunSmart Global UV App.

## Apps similar to SunSmart Global UV

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sunbeam: UV Index Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunbeam-uv-index-tracker/id1448601833) | 4.7 (1,689) | Free | Weather |
| [SunSafe: UV Index & Tanning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsafe-uv-index-and-tanning/id6461573146) | 4.8 (10,820) | Free | Weather |
| [Sun Tracker: UV Index & Tan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sun-tracker-uv-index-and-tan/id1526476234) | 4.5 (442) | Free | Weather |
| [UV Index: SunWise](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uv-index-sunwise/id6449424793) | 4.6 (1,074) | Free | Weather |
| [UV Index Widget - Worldwide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uv-index-widget-worldwide/id1100568288) | 4.8 (14,418) | Free | Weather |
| [BOM Weather](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bom-weather/id1100096880) | 4.7 (543) | Free | Weather |

## More apps by Cancer Council Victoria

- [seeUV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seeuv/id1300960963)

All apps by Cancer Council Victoria: https://appshunter.io/developer/405240626

## Related topics

[sunsmart global uv](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sunsmart-global-uv) · [sun safety](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sun-safety) · [xsmart global](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/xsmart-global)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*