Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Salt Lake City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized by ample sunshine and high elevation, residents face unique risks of UV exposure, especially during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues. On a typical summer day, the UV Index can soar to as high as 12 around midday—making it essential for everyone, whether you’re heading out for a hike in the nearby mountains or enjoying time at the park, to pay attention to these levels and take necessary precautions.
Today’s UV Index showcases a dynamic rise in solar intensity, peaking at an impressive 12 by 1 PM. Starting from a modest 1 at 7 AM, the index steadily climbed, hitting 10 by noon as the sun reached its zenith. The mid-afternoon sun unleashed its full potential, with UV levels hovering around 11 to 12 before gradually tapering off. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index drops to 5 by 5 PM, then dwindles to 1 again by 7 PM, signaling a gentle retreat from the day's solar strength. It's a powerful reminder of the sun's potential — protect your skin during these peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months of June and July, where it reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11, respectively, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May follow closely behind with very high UV Index values of 9 and 10, indicating that skin protection becomes increasingly vital as spring transitions to summer. March also marks the start of high-risk months with a UV Index of 7, transitioning into high exposure, emphasizing the need for individuals to take precautions. Conversely, the UV Index is more moderate in the winter months of January, February, November, and December, where the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor the UV Index, especially from March to September, when sun protection measures—including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—are essential to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Salt Lake City | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |