Does Au Sable River Park need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Au Sable River Park often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.

Does the water make UV worse in Au Sable River Park?

It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Au Sable River Park today

Au Sable River Park is a Michigan river suburb at 44.4°S. Typical summer peaks of 8–10 (very high) do not ease just because you are under a river red gum's thin shade. This is cool-temperate America: summer UV still climbs into the very high band, and spring arrives before the weather feels hot.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Au Sable River Park

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Au Sable River Park. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Au Sable River Park can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Au Sable River Park needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Au Sable River Park typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. Time on the river reflects UV back up, so banks and boats need the same cover as a beach day.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Au Sable River Park need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Au Sable River Park that is typically from May through September, and any clear spring or fall day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Au Sable River Park need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Au Sable River Park often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Does the water make UV worse in Au Sable River Park?: It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.