Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Calgary, Canada, where the sun can be surprisingly intense despite the region's cool climate. With UV levels rising significantly from late morning to early afternoon, awareness helps in preventing sunburns and protecting your long-term skin health. As Calgary falls within a Dfc climate zone, the mix of sunny days and high elevation results in increased UV exposure, especially during the summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
At dawn, as the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. By 09:00, it gently escalates to 2, marking the start of increased sun exposure. As the clock ticks towards midday, enthusiasm for outdoor activities can be tempered by safety, as the UV Index rapidly climbs to 7 at 12:00 and peaks at a striking 8 at 13:00. This intense solar energy persists until 14:00, where it dips slightly to 7. The afternoon continues to shower light, with levels at 5 and 4 from 16:00 to 17:00. As day transitions to evening, the sun begins to mellow, dropping back to 2 by 18:00 and settling to 1 as dusk descends. For those planning outdoor adventures, this data underscores the importance of sun protection during the 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. High-risk months typically occur from April to August, with the UV Index reaching a peak of 9 in July. During these months, outdoor enthusiasts should exercise caution, as the burn time reduces to as little as 15 minutes under the sun. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December pose a lower risk, characterized by a UV Index of 2 or lower, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes without significant risk. Visitors and residents are advised to check the UV Index daily, particularly during the high-risk months, and to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to ensure safe sun exposure.
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 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 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 |