UV Index Today in Salt Lake City, Utah

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.

Salt Lake City's UV Climate

Salt Lake City sits at 4,300 feet in a high mountain valley, and that elevation is the defining factor in its UV profile: thinner atmosphere blocks less radiation, boosting UV roughly 20-25% above sea-level cities at the same latitude. Add nearby ski slopes where fresh snow reflects up to 80% of UV back at your face, and the region delivers serious sun exposure in every season — summer hikers and winter skiers alike come home burned.

Average Annual UV Index

7.2

Peak UV Season

April - September

Sunny Days per Year

222

Typical UV Index by Season in Salt Lake City

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer Very High to Extreme (8-10) 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 Salt Lake County:

UV and Weather in Salt Lake County

Learn about Salt Lake 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

Salt Lake City has a dry continental climate with four distinct seasons and abundant sunshine. Summer UV index values reach 9-10 on clear days — extreme territory driven by altitude — while the dry air and frequent cloudless skies mean few natural breaks from exposure. Even spring and fall days in the mountains above the city can deliver summer-grade UV, especially on reflective snowfields.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: Very High to Extreme (8-10)
  • 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

Summers are hot, dry, and relentlessly sunny, with monsoon moisture occasionally sparking afternoon thunderstorms in late summer. Winter brings valley inversions that trap haze in the city while the surrounding peaks bask in brilliant sunshine — skiers at Alta or Snowbird can face effective UV levels several times what the valley floor reads. Spring snowmelt season is a classic burn window: mild temperatures, high sun angles, and lingering snow reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Salt Lake City

What is the UV index in Salt Lake City today?

The live UV index for Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Salt Lake City's peak UV season runs April - September, when the midday index typically reaches Very High to Extreme (8-10).

How high does the UV index get in Salt Lake City?

Summer days in Salt Lake City typically reach Very High to Extreme (8-10). 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 Salt Lake City during winter?

Yes, especially in the mountains. Snow reflects most UV back upward, so skiers and snowboarders near Salt Lake City can burn badly in winter even when valley UV readings look low.

How sunny is Salt Lake City compared to other cities?

Salt Lake City averages about 222 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 7.2.