Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Estes Park to protect their skin and overall health, especially given the area's Dfc climate. With clear skies and high altitudes, the sun's rays can be particularly intense, peaking at a UV index of 12 around noon. By being aware of these levels, you can take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, reaching moderate readings in the early morning and dropping significantly by evening, making it essential to plan outdoor activities accordingly to ensure your safety under the sun.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index undergoes a dramatic shift throughout the day. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it quickly gains momentum, reaching 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it hits 4, but the real surge begins as we approach midday; at 10:00, it spikes to 7, culminating in a peak of 12 from 12:00 to 14:00. This high level of UV radiation calls for caution, especially for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 10 at 15:00, before winding down to 4 by 17:00, and finally retreating to 1 by 19:00 as the day comes to a close. Remember to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index increases from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), leading to shorter burn times. The risk escalates sharply in March to 9 (very high), with a rapid change to April and May, both marked by an extreme UV Index of 12, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme level continues through June and July, slightly decreasing to 11 in August. As the year progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, reaching 10 (very high) in September and dropping further to 7 (high) in October. By November and December, the UV Index returns to 4 (moderate). Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Estes Park | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |