Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Pagosa Springs, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health under the intense Colorado sun. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both residents and visitors to be aware of daily fluctuations. With a Dfb climate known for warm summers and ample sunshine, Pagosa Springs typically faces significant UV exposure, peaking at a striking UV Index of 13 around midday. So, whether you're hiking in the scenic outdoors or relaxing by the water, keeping track of the UV Index can help you enjoy your time safely under the sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking at an impressive 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts gently, with a UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun inches higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to 12 by noon. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 3 PM, before settling back to a mild 2 by 6 PM. This clear progression emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe! ☀️
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks for residents and visitors. From January to March, the UV index starts from a moderate level of 4, rising sharply to a very high 10 by March, marking the onset of high-risk months. Notably, April through August present an extreme UV index, peaking at 13, where the burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes. As we transition into September and October, the risk remains high, with a UV index of 10 and 8, respectively. By November, the exposure category shifts back to high with an index of 6, and finally, it tapers off to moderate by December. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, especially when the UV index reaches 10 or above, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Pagosa Springs | 4 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |