Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cardston, Canada is essential for promoting skin health and preventing sunburns. As residents and visitors enjoy the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that this vibrant community offers, being aware of UV levels can make a significant difference in protecting one’s skin from harmful rays. In Cardston's Dfb climate, where summer UV exposure can spike—reaching levels as high as 9 during peak hours—it's crucial to stay informed and take proper precautions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine while ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy.
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, which reflects the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from May to August, where the Index reaches very high levels of 8 to 9, with a significantly shorter burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during peak UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during the sun's peak hours to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Cardston | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |