Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cardston, Canada, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a community situated in a Dfb climate zone, Cardston experiences significant UV exposure that peaks throughout the day, especially around noon when the Index reaches levels of 8 to 9. With high UV levels, it is essential to be aware of the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive steps, like seeking shade and applying sunscreen, to protect themselves and enjoy the beautiful sunshine while minimizing the potential harm.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 2 by 08:00 and 3 by 09:00, signaling the approach of midday. The UV intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a striking 8, followed closely by a maximum of 9 at 13:00 and 14:00, indicating peak sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually recedes to 6 at 16:00, then continues to drop to 4 by 17:00, and further declines to 2 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during those mid-morning to early afternoon hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | 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 |
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 |