Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Durango, United States, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun’s harmful rays. With the region's Dfb climate featuring distinct seasonal changes, awareness of UV levels helps residents and visitors prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. In Durango, UV levels can soar throughout the day, peaking at 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, signaling an urgent need to take precautions. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your health.
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 |
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 |