Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alamosa, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and even reduce long-term risks of skin cancer, making it an essential aspect of outdoor activities in this beautiful region. With a semi-arid climate characterized by high altitude and abundant sunshine, Alamosa experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can peak at a staggering 13. By familiarizing yourself with local UV conditions, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its matin ascent, peaking at a powerful 13 by 1 PM. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 7 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8 AM and surging to 5 by 9 AM. The real impact unfolds around 10 AM, where it hits 8, leading to a formidable 10 at 11 AM. By noon, the UV intensity escalates to 12, and shortly after, it reaches its zenith at 1 PM with a maximum of 13. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to decline but still remain impactful, dropping to 12 at 2 PM and then tapering off to 10 by 3 PM. Evening settles in with a comforting decrease, as the index cools to 7 by 4 PM, gradually sinking to 1 by 7 PM, underlining the importance of sun safety during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |