Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding your UV Index in Canmore, Canada is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. With its stunning mountain scenery, this beautiful alpine town sits at a relatively high altitude, where UV radiation can be more intense than at lower elevations. Awareness of UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection and skin health, especially during peak hours when the index soars to 9 between 1 PM and 3 PM. The Dfc climate of Canmore offers a mix of sunny and snowy days, but during warmer months, it’s essential to stay vigilant against UV exposure risks to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in the sun, knowing the UV Index will help you stay safe in this picturesque setting.
The UV Index for the day presents a fascinating snapshot of solar intensity. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 7:00 and 8:00, the sun gradually gains strength, peaking at a robust 9 between 13:00 and 14:00. This period marks the day's highest UV exposure, making it crucial for sun protection. Notably, the intensity begins to taper off after 15:00, descending to 3 by 18:00, and finally closing the day at 2 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder of the day's rhythm: with the sun rising high, the midday hours demand caution, while the early mornings and evenings offer a more gentle embrace of sunlight.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region exhibits notable seasonal variations, with the highest levels typically observed from May to August. During these months, particularly in May, June, and July when the UV Index peaks at 9, the exposure category is classified as very high, necessitating urgent precautions due to a burn time of just 15 minutes. As such, visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these high-risk months. April marks the beginning of high UV exposure with an index of 6, while September also presents a significant risk at 7. The UV levels decrease significantly in the cooler months of October through February, allowing for longer safe exposure times, though caution should still be exercised in February and March when UV levels rise moderately. Overall, maintaining awareness of the UV Index can help ensure safe outdoor activities year-round.
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 |
| Canmore | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 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 |