Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Calgary, Canada is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With its unique Dfc climate, Calgary experiences significant variations in UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of sunlight. Awareness of UV levels allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the UV Index can soar to 9 during midday, being informed empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays. Don't let the beautiful Calgary skies catch you off guard—stay informed and be sun-smart!
During the early hours, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, reaching 3 by 09:00 and hitting 4 at 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly around 11:00, soaring to 6, and continues to climb, peaking at a strong 9 from 13:00 to 14:00. The intensity slightly tapers off after that, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and then gradually decreasing through the late afternoon and evening, landing at 2 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest, especially between 12:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |