Places / Lake Tahoe
UV index at Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Check another placeLoading today’s UV…
- Low 0 to 2
- Moderate 3 to 5
- High 6 to 7
- Very high 8 to 10
- Extreme 11+
Hour-by-hour numbers
| Time | UV index | Level |
|---|
The next few days
Each day’s UV curve and peak, drawn on the same scale so you can compare. The forecast reaches roughly four days ahead.
What to do today
About Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s surface sits at 6,225 feet (1,897 m), already high enough to meaningfully boost UV compared with sea level, before you climb any further into the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.
Elevation, water and your real UV
The forecast covers the general Tahoe basin. Using the WHO’s rule of thumb of about 10% to 12% more UV per 1,000 metres of elevation, and adding the lake’s own reflection:
| Place | Elevation | Compared with sea level |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Tahoe surface | 1,897 m (6,225 ft) | about 19% to 23% more UV |
| Mount Tallac summit | 2,968 m (9,738 ft) | about 30% to 36% more UV |
| Freel Peak summit | 3,317 m (10,881 ft) | about 33% to 40% more UV |
Calm lake water also reflects UV back up at swimmers, paddleboarders and boaters, on top of the elevation effect explained in UV at altitude, on snow and under clouds.
When UV is strongest here
UV runs high to very high June through August under Tahoe’s clear alpine skies. Ski season (roughly November to April) brings a separate risk: snow on nearby peaks reflects UV back up at skiers and boarders even on cold days.
On the water and trail
Kayaking, paddleboarding and beach days on the lake mean hours of exposure with sun coming from above and reflecting off the water below. Sierra summit hikes like Mount Tallac add elevation on top of that.
Sun protection tips for Lake Tahoe
- Wear a UPF shirt and reapply water-resistant sunscreen often on the lake — the cold water is deceptive.
- On winter trips, treat bright snow days like summer ones: sunglasses or goggles with UV protection, and sunscreen on exposed skin.
- Start high-elevation summit hikes early to be back below treeline before the midday peak.
- Lip balm with SPF matters here; wind and altitude dry and burn lips fast.
Similar places
Related guides
- UV at Altitude, Snow and Clouds: Why You Burn Faster
- What to Wear Hiking for Sun Protection: A Practical Guide
Elevations are rounded published figures. UV forecasts are model estimates for the area and can differ from what you experience on the ground. This is general information about sun safety and isn’t medical advice. Last updated September 22, 2026.