Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Pagosa Springs is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Dfb climate, Pagosa Springs experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking with a maximum index of 12 around midday. This heightened UV intensity underscores the importance of monitoring UV levels to enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing risks such as skin damage and long-term health effects. By staying informed about the UV Index, you empower yourself to take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful Colorado scenery without compromising your well-being.
Throughout the day, the UV Index displayed a dynamic pattern, peaking at an intense 12 around 1 PM. Starting off gently at 1 by 7 AM, it climbed steadily, reaching 9 by 11 AM, a clear sign to take precautions. As the sun approached its zenith, the index swelled to its maximum at 12 PM, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Following the midday peak, the index gradually decreased, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, then tapering off further to 2 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data underscores the significance of shielding oneself from the sun's harmful rays during the day, especially when the UV 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 |