Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Vail, United States, where the stunning mountain scenery comes with heightened sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Vail’s highland climate and the atmosphere's thinner protection against solar radiation mean that even a brief amount of unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin damage. Stay informed about the UV Index to protect yourself while enjoying all that this beautiful mountain town has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking pattern, peaking at an intense 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking it as a crucial time for sun protection. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. It reaches 6 by 9:00 AM and escalates further to 8 at 10:00 AM. The midday sun asserts its strength with a 11 at 11:00 AM before hitting the maximum at 12. Following this peak, the UV Index begins its gradual decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then falling to 7 by 3:00 PM. The later hours see a further reduction, with values slipping to 5 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 again by 6:00 PM. Stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 exhibits notable seasonal variations, with high-risk months emerging mainly from March to September. The index reaches its peak in June, with a value of 13, categorizing it as extreme, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. This trend indicates that residents and visitors should exercise heightened caution during these months. April and May follow closely, both with an extreme UV Index of 11 and 12, respectively. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins to decline, with October showing a 9 and high-risk still present in February and November each at 7 and 6. To ensure safety, it is advisable for individuals to limit sun exposure during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, especially when the UV Index rises above 5.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Vail | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |