Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Salt Lake City, where the warm, sun-soaked climate can lead to heightened exposure to ultraviolet rays. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but is also vital for long-term skin health. With a typical peak UV Index of 10 around midday, Salt Lake City experiences significant risks for skin damage if precautions aren't taken. As you enjoy the outdoors in this beautiful, Cfa climate, make sure you're equipped with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun's harmful effects.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |