Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Durango, Colorado, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunnier months. As a city that enjoys a four-season climate (Dfb), Durango’s elevated UV levels can pose significant risks any time of year, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 12 and 13 between noon and 1 PM. By keeping track of the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe under the brilliant Colorado sun.
The UV Index for today presents a dynamic picture of sun intensity throughout the hours. Starting off gently, it peaks at 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. The sun makes its presence felt, reaching 4 at 09:00 and 6 by 10:00. *As noon approaches, the UV Index escalates to a striking 12, hitting its zenith at *1 PM with a scorching 13. As the day progresses, there's a slight decline, dropping to 12 at 2 PM, followed by a decrease to 10 by 3 PM. The intensity subsides further to 7 at 4 PM, gently tapering off to 4 at 5 PM, before descending back to 2 at 6 PM, and finally slipping to 1 as the sun sets at 7 PM. It's a day to embrace the sun while practicing sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variations, reaching its peak during the summer months. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, gradually increasing to a high of 7 in February. The most critical months for UV exposure are from March to August, where the index climbs to an extreme level of 12 to 13, particularly in June and July, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, the index drops to 10 in September and further to 8 in October, both categorized as very high. As the year closes, November offers a high index of 6 and December returns to a moderate level of 4. Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of March through August. Protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, along with seeking shade, are essential during these periods to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Durango | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |