UV Index Today in Scottsdale, Arizona

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.

Scottsdale's UV Climate

Scottsdale sits in the Sonoran Desert on the eastern edge of the Phoenix metro, with nearly 300 sunny days a year and one of the most punishing UV climates in the country. The city's identity is built outdoors — resort pools, two hundred golf courses within reach, desert trails through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve — which puts residents and the huge visitor population under extreme sun for much of the year. Dry desert air burns skin faster than most people expect because sweat evaporates instantly, removing the usual warning signs of overexposure.

Average Annual UV Index

9.0

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

299

Typical UV Index by Season in Scottsdale

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Extreme (10-11+) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall High to Very High (7-10) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Moderate (3-5) 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 Maricopa County:

UV and Weather in Maricopa County

Learn about Maricopa 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

Scottsdale's desert climate produces cloudless skies for weeks at a time, and UV index values sit at 11+ (extreme) through most of the summer, frequently topping the scale from May into September. Winter is the draw season — mild, brilliant, and still carrying moderate UV of 4-5 at midday, stronger than most snowbirds' home cities see in April. There is essentially no cloudy season to provide natural relief.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Extreme (10-11+)
  • Spring/Fall: High to Very High (7-10)
  • Winter: Moderate (3-5)
  • 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

From October through June, Scottsdale weather is monotonously clear, with maximum UV penetration nearly every day. The summer monsoon (July through September) brings dramatic afternoon storm buildups, but mornings stay searingly sunny and the storms arrive after the day's UV damage is done. Winter visitors playing golf or hiking Camelback-area trails routinely burn in January because pleasant 70-degree air masks a desert sun that never really weakens.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Scottsdale

What is the UV index in Scottsdale today?

The live UV index for Scottsdale, AZ 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 Scottsdale?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Scottsdale's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Extreme (10-11+).

How high does the UV index get in Scottsdale?

Summer days in Scottsdale typically reach Extreme (10-11+). Spring and fall usually bring High to Very High (7-10), while winter values are typically Moderate (3-5).

Do I need sunscreen in Scottsdale during winter?

Yes. Scottsdale's winter UV reaches moderate levels almost daily under clear desert skies, so sunscreen is recommended for golf, hiking, and pool time all year.

How sunny is Scottsdale compared to other cities?

Scottsdale averages about 299 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 9.0.