Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Steamboat Springs, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn, especially given the area's higher elevation and outdoor lifestyle. With UV levels reaching a peak of 12 during midday, awareness of these values helps locals and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin health. Steamboat Springs' Dfc climate means frequent exposure to intense sunlight, which highlights the importance of checking UV levels regularly. Stay informed and take proactive measures to ensure your time outdoors remains safe and enjoyable!
The UV Index showcases a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking impressively at 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM. The sun's intensity culminates at 11 by noon, before hitting its highest point at 12. A gradual decline follows, with readings of 10 at 3:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 once again by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a crucial reminder to take precautions during peak hours for optimal sun safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 affecting sun exposure and burn risk. From March to August, the UV index reaches its peak, with April, May, and June classified as very high to extreme (UV Index 12-13), leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. March also sees a high index of 9, indicating very high exposure risks. July and August follow closely with slightly decreased, yet still extreme levels at 12 and 11, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen, as the risk of skin damage increases substantially. In contrast, during the winter months of December and January, the UV index lowers to moderate levels (3-4), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes without immediate burn risk. Overall, awareness of the seasonal UV changes is crucial for protecting skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Steamboat Springs | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |