Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Steamboat Springs, United States, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking around noon, reaching a maximum of 13, awareness of sun exposure is not just a summer priority, but a year-round necessity. In this Dfc climate zone, where sunlight can be deceptively intense during clear days, knowing how to protect yourself from sunburn becomes essential for enjoying the great outdoors. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to prevent skin damage and embrace the sunshine safely, ensuring your time in this beautiful mountain town is both enjoyable and healthy.
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 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 |