Places / Mount Washington
UV index at Mount Washington, New Hampshire
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 Mount Washington
At 6,288 feet (1,917 m), Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States. Its weather is famous for changing fast, and it once recorded a wind gust of 231 mph. A large part of the hike is above the trees.
Elevation and your real UV
The forecast on this page covers the general area around Mount Washington. Weather models don’t resolve individual peaks and valleys, so treat it as the level of Pinkham Notch (about 2,000 ft). The WHO says UV rises by 10% to 12% for every 1,000 metres you climb. Using that rule of thumb:
| Place | Elevation | Compared with baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkham Notch | 620 m (about 2,000 ft) | Baseline |
| The summit | 1,917 m (6,288 ft) | about 13% to 16% more UV |
Read the peak UV from the chart above, then adjust it up for where you’ll actually be. There’s a worked example in UV at altitude, on snow and under clouds.
When UV is strongest here
Summer is the main hiking season. Snow and ice persist into late spring, and spring skiing in Tuckerman Ravine puts people in bright sun on snow, a strong mix for sunburn. Clouds can cover the summit while the valley is sunny.
On the trail
Below the trees the trails are shaded and often wet. Higher up, the terrain opens into alpine scrub and rock with no shade at all, and it stays exposed all the way to the summit cone.
Sun protection tips for Mount Washington
- Weather changes quickly. Carry layers, but keep sun protection handy too. UV doesn’t disappear when it gets cold.
- The summit can be in cloud while the trailhead is sunny, or the reverse. Check the chart for the area, and be ready for either.
- Spring hikers should treat snow as a reflector: sunscreen under the chin and glasses with side protection.
- Start early. The exposed section is long, and you don’t want to be on it in the afternoon sun.
Similar places
Related guides
- What to Wear Hiking for Sun Protection: A Practical Guide
- UV at Altitude, Snow and Clouds: Why You Burn Faster
- When Is UV Strongest During the Day? Best Times to Hike
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 20, 2026.