UV Index Today in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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.

Albuquerque's UV Climate

Albuquerque sits a mile high in the Rio Grande Valley beneath the Sandia Mountains, and its 5,300-foot elevation is the dominant UV factor: the thinner atmosphere boosts exposure roughly 25% over sea level, putting the city's sun in the same league as Denver and Phoenix. With 280 sunny days, minimal humidity, and an outdoor culture spanning the Bosque trails, Sandia foothills, and October's Balloon Fiesta crowds standing in open fields for hours, Albuquerque delivers serious UV in every season.

Average Annual UV Index

8.2

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

280

Typical UV Index by Season in Albuquerque

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 (6-9) 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 Bernalillo County:

UV and Weather in Bernalillo County

Learn about Bernalillo 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

Albuquerque's high-desert climate combines altitude, dryness, and clarity into one of the strongest UV environments in the country — summer midday values regularly reach 10-11, and even winter clear days hold moderate levels of 4-5. The dry air means virtually no atmospheric moisture to attenuate UV, and the Sandia crest, another 5,000 feet up via the tramway, pushes exposure higher still.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Extreme (10-11)
  • Spring/Fall: High to Very High (6-9)
  • 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

Most of the year runs relentlessly clear; the summer monsoon (July through September) builds dramatic afternoon thunderheads over the Sandias, but mornings stay bright and the storms follow the peak UV window. Low humidity keeps even hot days comfortable in the shade, tempting people to linger outdoors far longer than the UV index advises. Winter days are crisp and brilliant — skiers at Sandia Peak combine altitude, snow reflection, and clear sky for summer-grade exposure in January.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Albuquerque

What is the UV index in Albuquerque today?

The live UV index for Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque?

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

How high does the UV index get in Albuquerque?

Summer days in Albuquerque typically reach Extreme (10-11). Spring and fall usually bring High to Very High (6-9), while winter values are typically Moderate (3-5).

Do I need sunscreen in Albuquerque during winter?

Yes. Albuquerque's altitude keeps clear-day winter UV in the moderate range, and any snow at elevation amplifies it — year-round sunscreen is the local rule.

How sunny is Albuquerque compared to other cities?

Albuquerque averages about 280 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 8.2.