Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Telluride, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your skin health and preventing painful sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps you take the necessary precautions when enjoying the great outdoors, particularly during the day when UV exposure peaks. With Telluride's high-altitude climate and its typical summertime UV index reaching a maximum of 14, the risk of skin damage can increase significantly, making it essential to stay informed and protected against harmful rays. Embrace your outdoor adventures while keeping UV safety in mind!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 14 around 1:00 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs, reaching 11 at 11:00 AM and hitting its zenith with a concerning 13 by 12:00 PM. This intense UV exposure persists until 2:00 PM, when it starts to taper off, declining to 8 by 4:00 PM and eventually returning to safer levels of 2 by 6:00 PM. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | 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 |