When does Phoenix need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Phoenix 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 Phoenix need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Phoenix 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 city shade protect you from UV in Phoenix?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

UV index in Phoenix today

Phoenix (AZ) is an urban UV pocket at 33.4°S. Office-to-café stretches add up, and typical summer peaks of 10–12 (very high to extreme) hit the same skin that feels 'just popping out'. 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 Phoenix

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Phoenix. 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 Phoenix can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Phoenix needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Phoenix typically from April through October, and any other day UV reaches 3. A shaded laneway is not a shaded day: step into a plaza or the commute and the index is the one on this page.

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 Phoenix need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Phoenix 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 Phoenix need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Phoenix 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 city shade protect you from UV in Phoenix?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.