United States
UV Index in Montana — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 2 cities in Montana. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Montana
Sun Safety in Montana
UV levels in Montana 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 Montana: What to Know
Montana combines a northern latitude with high elevation, so its mountain regions see stronger summer UV than the latitude alone would suggest.
Across Montana, 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 Billings and Missoula on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Montana
When is the UV index highest in Montana?
UV in Montana 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 Billings above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Montana?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Montana 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 Montana?
Our UV index for Montana 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.