Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Denver City, where the combination of high altitude and a BSk climate leads to increased sun exposure. Being informed about UV levels is essential for protecting yourself against harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index readings soaring as high as 12 during midday hours, the risk of overexposure escalates significantly, making it vital to take precautionary measures when the sun is at its strongest. Stay ahead of the sun's intensity to safeguard your skin health and enjoy all that Denver has to offer!
As the day dawns, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun’s intensity peaks around midday, reaching a striking 10 at 12:00 PM and soaring to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping to 11 at 3:00 PM, before tapering off to 9 by 4:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the UV Index further diminishes, settling at 3 by 6:00 PM and finally 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of how the sun’s strength fluctuates throughout the day, encouraging us to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August, where the Index peaks at 12 during the summer. In these months, the exposure category is classified as extreme, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index starts at a moderate level of 5 in January and decreases to 4 in December. It's crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Awareness of the UV Index can help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Denver City | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |