UV Index in Alaska (AK)
Alaska has an average annual UV index of 2, classified as Low — 3.0 points below the national average of 5. UV levels peak in June with an average of 5, reaching Moderate levels, and drop to 0 in January. UV exposure in Alaska is relatively low, but sun protection is still advisable during summer months. Alaska has 0 months per year with High or above UV levels. UV ranges from 2 in Fairbanks to 2.2 in Anchorage.
Monthly UV Index by City in Alaska
The heatmap below shows the monthly average UV index for 5 cities in Alaska. Colors range from green (low UV, 0-2) through yellow (moderate, 3-5), orange (high, 6-7), red (very high, 8-10), to purple (extreme, 11+). Hover over any cell to see the exact value.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Avg | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | June |
| Juneau | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | June |
| Sitka | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | June |
| Ketchikan | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | June |
| Fairbanks | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | June |
Sun Protection Recommendations for Alaska
Based on the peak UV index of 5 (Moderate) during June, here are the recommended sun safety measures for Alaska residents and visitors:
Moderate UV — Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Seek shade during midday hours (10 AM - 4 PM)
- Cover up with clothing if outside for extended periods
Recommended sunscreen: SPF 30
Estimated Sunburn Times in Alaska (June Peak)
Approximate time to first sunburn at peak UV (5) without sunscreen, by skin type:
| Skin Type | Description | Time to Burn | Vitamin D Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | Very Fair | 13 min (high risk) | ~3 min |
| Type II | Fair | 20 min | ~5 min |
| Type III | Medium | 40 min | ~10 min |
| Type IV | Olive | 60 min | ~15 min |
| Type V | Brown | 80 min | ~20 min |
| Type VI | Dark Brown/Black | 100 min | ~25 min |
In Alaska, 10-20 minutes of midday sun on arms and face during summer typically provides adequate vitamin D for fair-skinned individuals.
Seasonal UV Patterns in Alaska
Alaska's UV index follows a seasonal pattern, with the lowest levels in January (UV 0) and the highest in June (UV 5). The seasonal swing of 5.0 UV points means sun protection needs change significantly throughout the year. Here are the state-average UV levels by month:
Alaska has relatively moderate UV year-round. Standard sun protection practices are sufficient for most outdoor activities.
How Alaska Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Alaska with five states that have similar average UV index levels. Understanding how your state compares helps put your sun exposure risk in context.
| State | Avg UV | Level | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (AK) | 2 | Low | 5 |
| Maine (ME) | 3.5 | Moderate | 5 |
| Vermont (VT) | 3.5 | Moderate | 5 |
| Washington (WA) | 3.5 | Moderate | 6 |
| Minnesota (MN) | 3.6 | Moderate | 5 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | 3.6 | Moderate | 5 |
UV Index in Neighboring States
Compare UV levels with states near Alaska:
Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Alaska
UV radiation is the primary environmental risk factor for skin cancer. While the UV index in Alaska is only one factor, understanding cumulative exposure is important. Key risk factors include:
- Cumulative UV exposure — total lifetime sun exposure, especially sunburns before age 18
- Skin type — fair skin (Types I-II) has significantly higher risk
- Geographic location — Alaska's lower UV reduces but does not eliminate risk
- Altitude — higher elevations increase UV exposure significantly
- Outdoor occupation/hobbies — agricultural workers, construction workers, golfers, runners, and beach visitors accumulate more exposure
- Tanning bed use — artificial UV exposure dramatically increases risk
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin checks for everyone, with more frequent screenings for those with multiple risk factors. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for all types of skin cancer.
Check UV for Your City
Use our UV index lookup tool to find your specific city in Alaska, or browse all 50 states ranked by UV index to compare UV levels across the country. For today's live UV forecast, check the EPA UV Index API with your zip code.