Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gunnison, United States, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this BSk climate that offers plenty of sunshine throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 between noon and 2 PM, awareness becomes essential to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays that can increase the risk of skin damage. By keeping track of the UV Index, residents and visitors can make informed decisions about sun protection measures, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience in this beautiful mountain town.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching 1 by 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling the start of the day’s UV exposure. Things heat up quickly, reaching 4 at 09:00 and then jumping to 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, hitting 11, and just an hour later, 13:00, it reaches its maximum of 12. This high level continues until 14:00, where it remains steady. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline: jotting down to 10 at 15:00, then 8 at 16:00, and tapering off to 5 by 17:00. By the evening hours, it gently reduces to 3 at 18:00 and settles back to 1 by 19:00. This cycle underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00 when UV exposure is at its strongest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes throughout the year, reaching its peak during the summer months. April through August are considered high-risk months for UV exposure, with indices consistently at 11-12, categorizing them as extreme. In these months, the burn time is reduced significantly to just 10 minutes, underscoring the need for protective measures. As the year transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, with October and November still maintaining a high rating of 6-7. To ensure safety, both residents and visitors should be vigilant during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. In contrast, during January and December, when the UV Index drops to 4, the risk is lower, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities without as much concern for sunburn.
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 |
| Gunnison | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |