UV Index Today in Huntsville, 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.

Huntsville's UV Climate

Huntsville sits in the Tennessee Valley of north Alabama beneath Monte Sano Mountain, blending a Deep South UV climate with an outdoor-oriented tech workforce that fills the greenways, trails, and ballfields of one of America's fastest-growing cities. The southern latitude delivers a long high-UV season from April into September, and the area's booming youth sports and weekend hiking culture put families outdoors through the strongest months.

Average Annual UV Index

7.1

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

212

Typical UV Index by Season in Huntsville

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 Madison County:

UV and Weather in Madison County

Learn about Madison 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

Huntsville's humid subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers with midday UV index values of 9-10 on clear days. Spring arrives early in north Alabama, pushing UV into the high range by April while temperatures remain deceptively comfortable. Summer humidity creates the classic Southern milky-sky effect that dims the view without meaningfully blocking UV.

UV Index and Health Impact

Understanding UV radiation levels is crucial for protecting your health. Typical clear-day UV index values in Huntsville 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 regularly build scattered thunderstorms off the Tennessee River valley's moisture, but they arrive after the day's peak exposure window. Spring severe-weather season alternates stormy days with brilliantly clear post-frontal ones carrying crisp, high UV. Winters are short and mild, with frequent sunny days reaching moderate midday UV — enough for Monte Sano hikers to notice.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Huntsville

What is the UV index in Huntsville today?

The live UV index for Huntsville, 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 Huntsville?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Huntsville'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 Huntsville?

Summer days in Huntsville 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 Huntsville during winter?

Huntsville's mild winters allow plenty of outdoor time, and clear-day midday UV touches the moderate range, so sunscreen is sensible for longer outings.

How sunny is Huntsville compared to other cities?

Huntsville averages about 212 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.1.