Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hotchkiss, Colorado, where the sun's rays can be deceptively strong, especially during summer months. With UV levels peaking at 12 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The Dfb climate of Hotchkiss brings a mix of warm summers and cold winters, but the high altitude means that UV exposure can be significant even on mild days. Being proactive about UV Index alerts can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors without the risks of overexposure. Stay informed, stay safe!
The UV Index today presents a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually escalates to a moderate 4 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00, peaking at 12 from 12:00 to 14:00—making it crucial to take sun safety precautions during this window. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and then retreating back to 4 by 17:00. The evening sees a gentle fade to a light 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at a low 1 by 19:00. Enjoy the sun but remember, protection is key when the UV Index peaks!
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. March sees a rise to a very high index of 9, while April peaks at an extreme rating of 12. The summer months, particularly June and July, sustain an even higher level of 13, indicating a persistent threat of overexposure. Consequently, May through August are classified as high-risk months, where the burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen frequently, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV radiation is at its strongest. As the seasons shift into the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases, with November and December returning to a moderate level, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes.
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 |
| Hotchkiss | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |