Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Colorado Springs is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the city’s high-altitude climate—characterized by sunny days and a semi-arid BSk classification—residents and visitors alike face increased risks of UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 12. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburns and reducing long-term skin damage, allowing you to fully enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to embrace the beauty of Colorado Springs safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. Things heat up by 09:00, where the index reaches 4, signaling a need for caution. 10:00 brings a sharp surge to 7, followed by a peak of 12 at both 12:00 and 13:00, indicating high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and then gradually decreasing to 9 by 15:00. By 16:00, the value lowers to 6, and as evening approaches, the levels continue to decline, reaching 3 at 17:00 and finally settling back to 2 by 18:00 and 1 by 19:00. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours between 10:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through August, when the index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13 and the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent sunburn. As the UV levels decrease in September and return to moderate levels in November and December, the risk lessens significantly, making sun safety precautions less critical. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant throughout the year, as even moderate UV levels can pose a risk.
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 Springs | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |