Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Taos, United States, being mindful of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is essential, especially in a region where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a climate characterized by warm summer days and high elevation, the UV Index in Taos peaks at a striking 11 during midday, indicating extreme exposure risk. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful New Mexico sunshine while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at 11 around 1 PM—a clear signal for sun protection. Starting from a low of just 1 at 7 AM, it escalates through the morning, hitting 8 by 11 AM. At 12 PM, the intensity reaches a significant 10, before slightly diminishing to 9 at 3 PM and tapering off rapidly in the afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels drop to 4 by 5 PM, finally settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this clear UV trajectory, staying cautious during the peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, is essential for skin safety. Don your sunscreen and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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 | 9 | 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
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 |
Taos | 3 | 5 | 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 |