Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Steamboat Springs, where the mountainous climate can amplify sun exposure and increase the risk of skin damage. With UV levels peaking at a striking 12 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. In this beautiful locale, where outdoor activities abound, being informed about the UV Index enables you to enjoy the sunshine safely while minimizing harmful effects. Stay vigilant, as even on seemingly mild days, the Dfc climate contributes to fluctuating UV exposure that can surprise those unprepared.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals an intensely radiant midday peak, starting gently at 1 by 7 AM. As the sun ascends, the index escalates, reaching 4 by 9 AM, before dramatically soaring to a maximum of 12 between noon and 1 PM. This indicates high UV exposure, necessitating protective measures for outdoor enthusiasts. Gradually, the index dips to 9 by 3 PM, showcasing a fading intensity as dusk approaches. By the late afternoon, it continues its descent to 1 by 7 PM, marking a significant drop in UV radiation levels. This data emphasizes the importance of being vigilant during peak hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |