Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ouray, Colorado, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, particularly in a region where intense sunlight is common, especially during peak hours. With Ouray's Dfb climate, which features warm summers and significant exposure to high UV levels—peaking at an alarming UV Index of 14 around midday—being aware of the daily UV forecast is critical for safe outdoor activities and enjoying all that this beautiful area has to offer. Remember, just a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to harmful effects; staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 14 around 1:00 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs, reaching 11 at 11:00 AM and hitting its zenith with a concerning 13 by 12:00 PM. This intense UV exposure persists until 2:00 PM, when it starts to taper off, declining to 8 by 4:00 PM and eventually returning to safer levels of 2 by 6:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 14 | 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 |