Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Montrose, Colorado, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. With a Dfa climate, Montrose experiences periods of high UV exposure, particularly around midday when the index peaks at an intensity of 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful Colorado sunshine safely.
Today's UV Index presents an intriguing curve, starting the day with a mellow maximum of 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, things heat up quickly—by 10:00, the index reaches 6, and by 12:00, it peaks at an intense 10. This level remains steady until 14:00, urging sun enthusiasts to take precautions. As the afternoon fades, the UV Index gracefully tapers off, dropping to 4 by 17:00, and finally sinking back to a gentle 1 by 19:00. With mid-day UV levels soaring, it’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal changes that reflect varying levels of sun exposure. January and February begin with a moderate UV Index of 3 to 5, allowing for 30-minute burn times without significant risk. As spring approaches, March increases to a high index of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The summer months of April through June feature the highest UV levels, peaking at an extreme index of 11 in June, where just 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. July and August remain very high, with an index of 9 to 10 and 15-minute burn times. September sees a decline to an index of 8 but still requires caution due to its 15-minute burn time. As we enter fall and winter, October drops to a high index of 6, allowing for 25 minutes of safer exposure before descending to moderate levels in November and low levels in December, with burn times extending to 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor the UV Index, particularly during the high-risk months of April through September, and to take appropriate precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Montrose | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 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 |