Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Alamosa, Colorado, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. This region, characterized by its high desert climate, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when indices can soar above 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburns but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. As Alamosa residents enjoy their sunny days, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations to protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking at an impressive 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts gently, with a UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun inches higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to 12 by noon. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 3 PM, before settling back to a mild 2 by 6 PM. This clear progression emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe! ☀️
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, influencing the level of sun exposure risk. During the winter months, January and February, the UV Index ranges from 4 to 6 (moderate to high), allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times around 25-30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March and April, the index spikes dramatically, reaching 10 and 11 (very high and extreme), with burn times reducing to just 10-15 minutes. The summer months, notably from May to August, see sustained extreme levels of UV Index 12-13, indicating a high risk of skin damage, necessitating protective measures within a mere 10 minutes of exposure. Moving into autumn, the UV Index gradually decreases, with September through October still presenting considerable risk (10 to 8), and burn time extending back to 15 minutes. For residents and visitors, it is advisable to remain vigilant and utilize sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during March through August, the high-risk months of UV exposure.
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 |
| Alamosa | 4 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |