Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Park City, a stunning mountain town known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting skin health in the long term. With Park City's climate classified as Cfa, UV exposure can escalate quickly throughout the day, peaking at 10 between noon and 1 PM. Being knowledgeable about the UV Index helps ensure you enjoy the sun safely while exploring everything this vibrant destination has to offer. Remember, staying informed is key to safeguarding your skin against harmful rays!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern that encourages cautious sun exposure. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the intensity slowly climbs to a moderate 2 by 08:00. However, the real ascent begins at 09:00, when the index reaches 4. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, with an impressive 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the UV levels gradually decline, dipping to 9 at 14:00 and then decreasing further to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index wanes to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, emphasizing the importance of smart sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from April to August, where indices peak at 11 in June and July, categorized as extreme with a burn time of only 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during this period, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently. As spring transitions into summer, the UV index rises sharply, reaching very high levels in May and August, and dropping to high in March and October. The months of January, November, and December see lower risks with a moderate index of 3 or 5, allowing for more extended safe sun exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should monitor UV levels closely and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to safeguard their skin health.
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 |
| Park City | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |