Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ruidoso Downs is vital for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure. With a typical climate classified as Csb, Ruidoso Downs experiences fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a high of 12 around noon. This highlights the importance of being aware of UV levels, as even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage, making knowledge of peak UV times essential for safe outdoor activities. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while effectively protecting their skin from harmful rays.
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 |
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 |
| Ruidoso Downs | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |