Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Telluride is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the mountains bask in sunshine, knowing the UV levels helps citizens and visitors alike mitigate risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Dfb climate, Telluride experiences varied UV exposure throughout the day, peaking sharply around midday with levels soaring to 13. This emphasizes the importance of staying informed about UV trends to enjoy outdoor adventures safely while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it ramps up to 4, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where it reaches a striking 12 and an intense 13, reminding us to seek shade or apply sunscreen. In the early afternoon, we experience a brief plateau before it steadily declines, dropping to 8 by 16:00 and waning to 1 again by 19:00. This clear pattern highlights the importance of safeguarding our skin during the sun’s peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. January and December register a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. In February, the risk increases as the index rises to 7, categorized as high, shortening burn time to 25 minutes. The months of March through September represent the highest risk, with UV levels reaching as high as 14 in June, classified as extreme, leading to a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May witness similarly extreme conditions. As the season transitions to October, the UV Index drops to 8, falling back into the very high category, while November experiences a decline to a high index of 6. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take proactive measures to protect their skin, especially during high-risk months from March to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Telluride | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |