Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Buena Vista, United States, to effectively protect their skin from harmful solar radiation. With peak UV levels often reaching a maximum of 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and supports long-term skin health. Buena Vista's Dfc climate, characterized by its mountain environment, can expose individuals to higher UV levels even on cooler days, making it essential to stay informed. Be proactive about your sun safety and enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors while keeping your skin protected!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling the need for sun protection. The intensity peaks at 13 around 13:00, perfect for seeking shade or slathering on sunscreen. Temperatures are sizzling as it slightly dips to 12 by 14:00, then gradually decreases throughout the afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to 2 at 18:00 and returns to 1 by 19:00, signaling safer conditions as the sun sets. Keep your skin protected during those peak hours when the UV rays are most intense!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly impacting both residents and visitors. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a safer burn time of 30 minutes before risk increases. However, as we move into February, the UV Index rises to 7 (high), and by March, it escalates to 10 (very high), with burn time plummeting to just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are April to August, where the Index reaches 13-14 (extreme), demanding vigilant sun protection measures with burn times reduced to only 10 minutes. September marks a gradual decrease, but a high Index of 11 still necessitates caution. As the year closes with October and November presenting high levels again (7 and 6), it is essential for individuals to remain aware of changing UV levels and take appropriate precautions regardless of the season, notably during these high-risk months. Always consider wearing sunblock, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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 |
| Buena Vista | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 4 |