June 29, 2026 · Anchorage, USA
See today's UV index in Anchorage hour by hour below. The UV index shows how strong the sun's ultraviolet radiation is — the higher the number, the faster skin can burn. Values are calculated for Anchorage's coordinates and updated daily.
Anchorage lies at 61°N. Anchorage lies very far north. Here the UV index is low for most of the year and only peaks around 3–5 at midsummer. Snow can reflect UV radiation and amplify the effect in spring, though.
The UV index is an international scale describing the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at ground level. It starts at 0 and is effectively open-ended — at mid-latitudes it rarely exceeds 8, while in the tropics and high in the mountains it can pass 11. The higher the number, the less time it takes to get sunburnt.
The UV index depends mainly on how high the sun is in the sky. That is why it peaks around solar noon and is greatest in summer near the longest day of the year. Clouds, ozone, altitude and reflection from snow or water also affect the value.
| UV index | Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | No special protection needed. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), seek shade around midday. |
| 6–7 | High | Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Avoid the sun 12:00–15:00. |
| 8–10 | Very high | Extra protection. Limit midday sun exposure. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Avoid the sun at midday. Full protection required. |