UV Index Today in Birmingham, Alabama

Current UV
Today's Max

Hourly UV Forecast

low moderate high very high extreme

Surface Type

Reflective surfaces increase your UV exposure — snow reflects up to 90%, sand about 20%.

Safe Exposure Time

Estimated burn times based on the Fitzpatrick scale for skin color and today's maximum UV index of . Tap your skin type:

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Time until burn
With SPF 15*
With SPF 30*

*Assumes proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with reapplication every 2 hours. Estimates follow WHO guidance and satellite-derived data — see how our data works.

Sun Times

Dawn
Sunrise
Solar Noon
Sunset
Dusk
Day Length
Morning Golden Hour Ends
Evening Golden Hour

Important Safety Information

General Guidelines

These exposure times are estimates based on scientific research and should be used as general guidelines only. Individual responses to UV exposure may vary.

Affecting Factors

UV exposure is affected by: time of day, season, altitude, cloud cover, reflection from surfaces, and individual skin sensitivity.

Protection Tips

Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM), wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and monitor the UV index regularly.

Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice, especially if you have a history of skin conditions or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Birmingham's UV Climate

Birmingham spreads across the ridges and valleys at the tail end of the Appalachians in central Alabama, where a Deep South latitude delivers a high-UV season running from early April well into September. The city's revitalized outdoor scene — Railroad Park, the Rotary Trail, Red Mountain's hiking network — plus the state's football-tailgating tradition keeps Birminghamians in the sun through the hottest, brightest months, often under hazy skies that disguise the exposure.

Average Annual UV Index

7.2

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

211

Typical UV Index by Season in Birmingham

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High (9-10) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall Moderate to High (5-8) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Low to Moderate (2-4) Sunscreen for long midday exposure; more on snow

UV Index in Nearby Cities

Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities

Make the most of outdoor activities while staying safe in Jefferson County:

UV and Weather in Jefferson County

Learn about Jefferson County's unique climate patterns, UV radiation levels, and how they affect your daily life. Enter your zip code for location-specific weather radar data and UV forecasts to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection.

Climate and UV Patterns

Birmingham's humid subtropical climate produces midday UV index values of 9-10 on clear summer days, with the high-UV season spanning nearly half the year. Humidity is the local deceiver: summer skies often look washed-out and milky rather than threateningly bright, yet that haze filters visible light far more than ultraviolet. Winters are short and mild with regular sunny days in the moderate range.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Birmingham through the year:

  • Summer: Very High (9-10)
  • Spring/Fall: Moderate to High (5-8)
  • Winter: Low to Moderate (2-4)
  • Peak UV hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Cloud cover can reduce UV by 20-40%, but does not eliminate it
  • Clear skies bring maximum UV exposure

Local Weather Patterns

Summer afternoons frequently pop scattered thunderstorms off the ridges, but the morning-through-midday exposure window stays predominantly sunny. Spring brings severe-weather days alternating with crystal-clear post-frontal sunshine at rapidly climbing UV levels. Even January offers mild, bright afternoons that draw people to the trails, where midday UV in the moderate range accumulates unnoticed.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Birmingham

What is the UV index in Birmingham today?

The live UV index for Birmingham, AL is shown at the top of this page and updates throughout the day, along with today's maximum and an hourly forecast.

When is the sun strongest in Birmingham?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Birmingham's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Very High (9-10).

How high does the UV index get in Birmingham?

Summer days in Birmingham typically reach Very High (9-10). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate to High (5-8), while winter values are typically Low to Moderate (2-4).

Do I need sunscreen in Birmingham during winter?

Birmingham's mild winter afternoons can reach moderate UV under clear skies, so sunscreen is worthwhile for extended outdoor time even in the cool season.

How sunny is Birmingham compared to other cities?

Birmingham averages about 211 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.2.