United States
UV Index in Arizona — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 6 cities in Arizona. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Arizona
Sun Safety in Arizona
UV levels in Arizona 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 Arizona: What to Know
Arizona has some of the highest UV in the country. Its desert climate, clear skies, and elevation mean extreme UV is common from spring through fall — Phoenix and Tucson routinely hit UV 10–11+.
Across Arizona, 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 Flagstaff, Mesa and Phoenix on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Arizona
When is the UV index highest in Arizona?
UV in Arizona 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 Flagstaff above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Arizona?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Arizona 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 Arizona?
Our UV index for Arizona 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.