Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Montrose, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the summer months when UV levels can reach their peak. Understanding UV exposure is essential for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to casual sun-seekers, as it helps protect against harmful effects of the sun. Given Montrose's Dfa climate, characterized by hot summers, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure risks, particularly when the index soars to an impressive 11 around noon. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 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 |