Places / Moab
UV index at Moab, Utah
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 Moab
Moab sits at about 4,000 feet (1,220 m) on the Colorado Plateau, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Trails to Delicate Arch, Devils Garden and the Windows all cross open slickrock with essentially no shade.
Elevation and your real UV
The forecast covers the general Moab area. Using the WHO’s rule of thumb of about 10% to 12% more UV per 1,000 metres of elevation gain:
| Place | Elevation | Compared with baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Moab (town) | 1,220 m (about 4,000 ft) | Baseline |
| Delicate Arch trailhead | 1,472 m (4,829 ft) | about 3% more UV |
| Devils Garden | 1,632 m (5,355 ft) | about 4% to 5% more UV |
Pale sandstone also reflects more UV than darker ground, adding to the elevation effect described in UV at altitude, on snow and under clouds.
When UV is strongest here
UV runs very high to extreme from late spring through summer under the Utah desert’s typically clear skies. Spring and fall are the most popular hiking seasons here precisely because the heat, not the UV, is more tolerable — the sun itself is still strong.
On the trail
Arches’ signature hikes are short but almost entirely exposed slickrock and sand with no tree cover. Afternoon light reflecting off pale rock adds glare on top of direct sun.
Sun protection tips for Moab
- Hike to Delicate Arch or Devils Garden early morning; there’s no shade once you’re on the slickrock.
- Wear sunglasses with real UV protection — pale rock glare is intense at midday.
- A brimmed hat and long sleeves beat sunscreen alone on longer loops like Devils Garden.
- Bring more water than usual; low humidity hides how much you’re losing to sweat.
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.