Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Telluride, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health, especially given the region's alpine climate and varied elevation. With UV levels peaking to 13 during midday, understanding these fluctuations helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. As you enjoy the stunning outdoor scenery, remember that even on overcast days, UV rays can still pose a threat. Being informed about the UV Index allows residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the beautiful high country.
The UV Index for today reveals a dynamic pattern of solar exposure throughout the hours. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the levels gradually rise, reaching 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index sharply escalates to 4 at 09:00 and hits peak intensity at 12:00 with a robust 13. The midday sun maintains this formidable strength from 12:00 to 14:00, presenting a strong reminder to stay protected. A gradual decline follows, as the index drops to 10 by 15:00, then backs down to 4 by 17:00, tapering off to a gentle 1 by 19:00. Be mindful of the highest UV levels between 11:00 and 14:00, and remember to apply sunscreen and take shade breaks!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | 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 |
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 |