Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where the high-altitude climate can lead to unexpected sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these readings is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The unique BSk climate of Cloudcroft, characterized by its cooler temperatures yet strong sunlight, presents risks that can catch many off guard. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index today presents a dramatic shift as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity rises steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. A notable leap occurs at 9:00 AM where it hits 4, signaling a more intense sun. The peak arrives at 1:00 PM with a blistering 13, urging sun safety precautions. As the day progresses, the index begins to ease: 11 at 2:00 PM, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the UV Index reduces to 2, and finally settles back to 1 around 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant during the midday hours; your skin will thank you!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring between April and September. During these months, particularly from June to August, the UV Index peaks at 13, categorizing exposure as extreme and resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also present high-risk conditions with indices of 8 and 10, respectively. As such, visitors and residents alike should exercise caution and take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of April through September. This includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risk of UV exposure and skin damage. In contrast, the UV Index lowers significantly in January, November, and December, where the exposure is categorized as moderate to high, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes and 25 minutes respectively.
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 |
| 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 |
| Cloudcroft | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |