Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Idaho Springs, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and preventing sunburn. With its Dfc climate, this charming mountain town experiences variable UV levels that can peak dramatically during the day, reaching an alarming 13 at noon. Being aware of these UV levels not only helps you plan outdoor activities but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Whether you're hiking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, knowing when to seek shade can make all the difference in protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. Stay informed and enjoy the great outdoors safely!
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reveals its powerful presence. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates quickly, reaching 5 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 13 during the midday hours between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, when protection from harmful rays is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 3:00 PM and slowly tapering off to 4 by 5:00 PM. By the evening, the index returns to a safe 1 as daylight fades, reminding us of the sun's powerful influence throughout the day. Be sun-smart and stay protected, especially when the index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting skin safety for both visitors and residents. January begins with a moderate UV index of 4, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure, but February sees an increase to 6, marking the onset of high-risk months. The spring months of March and April bring sharply rising levels, peaking in April at an extreme index of 13, where burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. The summer months of May through August remain critical, maintaining an index of 13 and 12, while September starts to show a slight decrease with a return to a very high UV index of 10. As October transitions to a high index of 7, November and December return to moderate levels at 5 and 4, respectively, allowing for more extended safe exposure times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to practice sun safety, particularly during the peak months of April to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Idaho Springs | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |