Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Manitou Springs, understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health, especially given the town's high-altitude climate and penetrating sunshine. As UV levels can soar as high as 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With its typical BSk climate, Manitou Springs experiences significant UV exposure risks, making it crucial to check daily UV levels and take appropriate precautions for safe outdoor activities. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its matin ascent, peaking at a powerful 13 by 1 PM. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 7 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8 AM and surging to 5 by 9 AM. The real impact unfolds around 10 AM, where it hits 8, leading to a formidable 10 at 11 AM. By noon, the UV intensity escalates to 12, and shortly after, it reaches its zenith at 1 PM with a maximum of 13. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to decline but still remain impactful, dropping to 12 at 2 PM and then tapering off to 10 by 3 PM. Evening settles in with a comforting decrease, as the index cools to 7 by 4 PM, gradually sinking to 1 by 7 PM, underlining the importance of sun safety during peak hours.
| 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from February to September. The highest UV Index values appear in April through July, reaching an extreme level of 13, which results in a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index drops to moderate levels (4-5) from January to March and again in November to December, where the burn time extends to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during the spring and summer months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of skin damage during peak hours. Conversely, in the winter months, while the risk is lower, it’s still advisable to remain vigilant against 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 |
| Manitou Springs | 4 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |