Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Colorado City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 11 during midday, being aware of these daily fluctuations helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. The city's semi-arid climate (BSk) brings a unique set of UV exposure risks, particularly during the sunny summer months, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take appropriate precautions. Embracing UV Index awareness not only promotes healthier skin but also enables you to enjoy the beautiful Colorado sunshine responsibly.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins to rise slowly, peaking at 1 by 07:00 before climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun approaches its zenith. 10:00 marks a significant jump to 8, followed closely by an impressive peak of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 9 by 14:00, then gradually declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering back to a safer 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to 2 at 17:00 and finally settle at 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while midday sun offers the most intense rays, protective measures are vital throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the summer months. From May to August, the UV Index ranges from 11 to 12, classifying these months as having an extreme exposure category, meaning the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is very high. Specifically, March to September are identified as high-risk months, where the burn time drastically decreases to as little as 10 minutes in peak summer. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and protect skin health. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, with January, November, and December classified as moderate, allowing for safer sun exposure, though caution is still recommended.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Colorado City | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |