Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Laramie, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during those peak hours when the index soars to a significant 11 around 1 PM. With Laramie's Dfb climate, characterized by its distinct seasons, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about sun safety, particularly during the sunnier months when exposure risks are higher. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or just soaking up the sun, being aware of the UV Index is a simple yet essential step to protect yourself against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, where it reaches a striking 10, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. 13:00 sees an even higher point of 11, making it crucial for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to descend—falling to 8 by 15:00 and tapering off to a more manageable 3 by 17:00. The day concludes with a soft decline, dropping back to 1 by 19:00. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of protecting skin during the midday sun to prevent damage and ensure safety.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. During this period, the UV Index reaches its peak, hitting 11 to 12 in May, June, and July, where the exposure category is classified as extreme, and the burn time is only 10 minutes. Early in the year, January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4 but quickly escalates to very high levels by March. As the seasons shift, September marks a decrease to a very high category while October and beyond see a gradual drop, returning to moderate levels by winter. To protect against harmful UV radiation, visitors and residents should be diligent in applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during the high and extreme months, particularly during midday hours when UV rays are the strongest.
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 |
| Laramie | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |