Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Colorado Springs, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation. With the city’s BSk climate resulting in high-altitude sun exposure, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain optimal skin health. The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, reaching its peak at noon with intense values of 12, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected skin. By familiarizing yourself with these levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful Colorado sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals an intensely radiant midday peak, starting gently at 1 by 7 AM. As the sun ascends, the index escalates, reaching 4 by 9 AM, before dramatically soaring to a maximum of 12 between noon and 1 PM. This indicates high UV exposure, necessitating protective measures for outdoor enthusiasts. Gradually, the index dips to 9 by 3 PM, showcasing a fading intensity as dusk approaches. By the late afternoon, it continues its descent to 1 by 7 PM, marking a significant drop in UV radiation levels. This data emphasizes the importance of being vigilant during peak hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 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 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 |