UV Index in Golden, United States

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Golden, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the area's high altitude and sunny climate. With peak UV ratings soaring to 10 during midday, residents and visitors must be vigilant about sun exposure. Being aware of the UV Index will help you enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Golden

At sunrise, the UV Index starts gently at 1 around 07:00, whispering the promise of a bright day. As the clock ticks, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00 and 3 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in at 10:00, spiking to 6, and by 11:00, it jumps to 8. The peak occurs at 13:00, hitting a robust 10, a clear reminder to seek shade or don protection. As afternoon drifts toward evening, the index gracefully descends: it remains strong at 9 at 14:00, then eases to 7 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and finally back to 3, 2, and a calm 1 by 19:00. Enjoy the sun responsibly!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	9	very high	15 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	5	moderate	30 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Golden

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations that can significantly impact skin health. From January to March, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching a high of 7 in March, indicating a growing risk for skin damage. April and May see a sharp rise, with very high values of 9 and 10, encouraging caution as burn times decrease to just 15 minutes. The peak occurs in June and July, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, suggesting a maximum burn time of only 10 minutes—making these the highest-risk months. As summer wanes into August and September, the levels remain very high but slightly decrease. October brings a safer high UV Index of 6, while the year wraps up with moderate levels in November and December. To protect against UV exposure, both visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to September, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Golden, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Golden. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Golden, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Golden UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Golden compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Golden's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Golden	3	5	7	9	10	11	11	9	8	6	4	3
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