Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Black Diamond, Canada, where the Dfc climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. As the sun climbs higher, especially around noon when the index peaks at 9, awareness of these UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. With outdoor activities popular among the community, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful Alberta scenery safely!
The UV Index throughout the day rises and falls dramatically, reflecting the sun's intensity. Starting the morning at a gentle 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually increases to 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels surge, peaking at a strong 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, settling at 6 by 16:00 and diminishing further to a safer 2 by 19:00. This data underlines the importance of seeking shade and applying sunscreen during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, highlighting the importance of sun protection for both residents and visitors. During the winter months (January to February), the UV Index remains low to moderate, with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March and April, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching a high of 6 in April, which necessitates increased caution. The summer season (May to August) marks a significant peak in UV exposure, with indices soaring to very high levels of 8 to 9, resulting in quick burn times of just 15 minutes—this is the high-risk period for sunburn and skin damage. As summer transitions into fall (September to October), the UV Index gradually decreases but still remains in the moderate to high categories, with burn times between 25 to 30 minutes. To protect yourself, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen, particularly from May through August when UV levels are at their most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Black Diamond | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Montreal UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Ottawa UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |