UV Index Today in Spokane, Washington

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.

Spokane's UV Climate

Spokane sits east of the Cascade rain shadow at about 1,900 feet, giving it a completely different sun profile from Seattle: summers here are dry, hot, and reliably clear, with UV strong enough to burn fast during long July evenings on the Spokane River or at the lakes across the Idaho line. The city's elevation adds a modest UV boost, and the outdoor summer culture — Hoopfest, Bloomsday training, lake weekends — concentrates exposure into the sunniest months.

Average Annual UV Index

5.5

Peak UV Season

May - September

Sunny Days per Year

171

Typical UV Index by Season in Spokane

Season Typical Midday UV Protection Needed
Summer High to Very High (7-9) SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses; shade from 10 AM – 4 PM
Spring & Fall Moderate (4-6) SPF 30+ for extended time outdoors
Winter Low (1-2) 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 Spokane County:

UV and Weather in Spokane County

Learn about Spokane 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

Spokane's continental climate splits the year sharply: gray, snowy winters with minimal UV, then a dry summer where midday index values reach 7-9 under persistently cloudless skies. The 47-degree latitude means very long summer days, stretching moderate-level UV deep into the evening — a 7 PM golf round in July still carries real exposure. Smoke from regional wildfires occasionally filters late-summer sun.

UV Index and Health Impact

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

  • Summer: High to Very High (7-9)
  • Spring/Fall: Moderate (4-6)
  • Winter: Low (1-2)
  • 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 roughly July 4th through September, Spokane weather locks into a sunny, bone-dry pattern with week after week of maximum UV penetration. Spring is changeable but trends bright by May. Winter overcast keeps UV low in the valley, though the nearby ski hills — Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer, 49 Degrees North — combine altitude and snow reflection for surprisingly strong winter exposure on bluebird days.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV in Spokane

What is the UV index in Spokane today?

The live UV index for Spokane, WA 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 Spokane?

UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Spokane's peak UV season runs May - September, when the midday index typically reaches High to Very High (7-9).

How high does the UV index get in Spokane?

Summer days in Spokane typically reach High to Very High (7-9). Spring and fall usually bring Moderate (4-6), while winter values are typically Low (1-2).

Do I need sunscreen in Spokane during winter?

Valley UV is low in winter, but bluebird days at the surrounding ski hills combine snow reflection with altitude — goggles and sunscreen matter there.

How sunny is Spokane compared to other cities?

Spokane averages about 171 sunny days per year with an average annual UV index around 5.5.