United States
UV Index in Alaska — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 1 cities in Alaska. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Alaska
Sun Safety in Alaska
UV levels in Alaska vary by season, altitude, and proximity to water. The WHO recommends sun protection whenever UV reaches 3 or higher. Apply SPF 30+ before outdoor activities and reapply every 2 hours.
UV Index in Alaska: What to Know
Alaska has the lowest average UV in the US, but long summer daylight and snow reflection can still push levels higher than expected, especially at altitude.
Across Alaska, the UV index peaks in the four hours around solar noon (roughly noon to 3 PM local time). The World Health Organization recommends sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 at UV 3–5, SPF 50 at UV 6–7, and SPF 50+ with reapplication every two hours at UV 8 and above. Check the live, hour-by-hour UV index for Anchorage on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Alaska
When is the UV index highest in Alaska?
UV in Alaska is strongest between noon and 3 PM local time, and highest in the summer months when the sun sits highest in the sky. Check the hourly chart for Anchorage above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Alaska?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Alaska covers most of the daytime hours from spring through fall. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV can reach the ground.
How accurate is this UV data for Alaska?
Our UV index for Alaska comes from Open-Meteo, which aggregates national weather-service models, and updates every 15 minutes. Levels follow the official WHO global solar UV index scale.