Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ranchos de Taos is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the area's Dfb climate, residents and visitors alike face varied UV exposure risks throughout the day—especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when values peak dramatically at 12 to 13. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and mitigate long-term skin damage. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply running errands, being UV-aware ensures that you can make the most of Ranchos de Taos' beautiful sun, while still protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking at an impressive 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts gently, with a UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun inches higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to 12 by noon. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 3 PM, before settling back to a mild 2 by 6 PM. This clear progression emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay safe! ☀️
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As we move through the year, seasonal UV changes present significant variations in sun exposure risk. High-risk months are notably from March to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in June and July. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for protective measures. Conversely, January, February, and December present lower UV Index levels, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for longer exposure times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to implement sun safety practices during peak months—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—to minimize the risk of skin damage. As a rule of thumb, keep an eye on the daily UV Index and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly.
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 |
| Ranchos de Taos | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |