Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ouray, United States, is crucial for everyone who enjoys the breathtaking outdoors, as it provides vital information about sun exposure and its potential risks. With the UV levels peaking at 13 during midday, becoming aware of this index is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Ouray's high-altitude climate can exacerbate UV exposure, making it even more important to stay informed and take necessary precautions. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of Ouray while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it ramps up to 4, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where it reaches a striking 12 and an intense 13, reminding us to seek shade or apply sunscreen. In the early afternoon, we experience a brief plateau before it steadily declines, dropping to 8 by 16:00 and waning to 1 again by 19:00. This clear pattern highlights the importance of safeguarding our skin during the sun’s 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 notable fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. January and December register a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. In February, the risk increases as the index rises to 7, categorized as high, shortening burn time to 25 minutes. The months of March through September represent the highest risk, with UV levels reaching as high as 14 in June, classified as extreme, leading to a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May witness similarly extreme conditions. As the season transitions to October, the UV Index drops to 8, falling back into the very high category, while November experiences a decline to a high index of 6. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take proactive measures to protect their skin, especially during high-risk months from March to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight 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 |
| Ouray | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |