When does Las Vegas need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Las Vegas that is typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.

Does Las Vegas need sun protection in winter?

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

Is UV worse in dry inland Las Vegas?

Often the dose is higher than a coastal day at the same index, because there is so little shade or haze. At 36.2°S the sky is frequently clear, so the live reading on this page is what you get, not a filtered version.

UV index in Las Vegas today

Las Vegas sits in dry inland Nevada at 36.2°S, where clear skies and almost no shade make UV harsher than the already-high index. Summer middays typically reach 9–11 (very high to extreme). This is warm-temperate America: a long protection season from spring through fall, with clear winter days that can still burn.

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

Today and tomorrow in Las Vegas

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Las Vegas. 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 inland day in Las Vegas can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Las Vegas needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Las Vegas typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. Dry air and almost no natural shade mean the index on this page is the whole story. There is little cloud or tree cover to blunt it.

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 Las Vegas need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Las Vegas that is typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Las Vegas need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Las Vegas often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter and early-spring days cross the threshold before summer fully arrives. Check the live index.
Is UV worse in dry inland Las Vegas?: Often the dose is higher than a coastal day at the same index, because there is so little shade or haze. At 36.2°S the sky is frequently clear, so the live reading on this page is what you get, not a filtered version.