Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cold Lake, Canada, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, making it essential for everyone—especially during the sunnier months. With Cold Lake's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, residents and visitors must be vigilant about UV exposure risks, particularly from late morning to mid-afternoon when the index peaks at levels of 8. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely in this beautiful lakeside community!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a clear peak in sun intensity, providing a vivid illustration of solar exposure. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun climbs higher, it rises to 3 by 09:00 and hits 6 at 11:00, urging early protectors to apply their sunscreen. The intensity reaches its zenith at 12:00, with a robust 7, and maintains 8 between 13:00 and 14:00, suggesting it's crucial to seek shade or cover during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the figures gently decline, dipping to 4 at 17:00 and finally returning to a low 1 by 19:00. This hourly dance of the UV Index serves as a reminder to be sun-smart and make the most of outdoor activities while remaining vigilant during peak hours.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with low levels in the winter months (January, February, November, and December) where exposure is generally safe, having a burn time of 45 minutes. Moderate levels in early spring (March and April) suggest a need for increasing caution, as the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index rises sharply to very high levels in June and July (UV Index 8), where the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. Although August and September see a slight reduction to high levels (UV Index 7 and 6), caution is still warranted with a 25-minute burn time. By October, UV levels ease back to moderate, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of May through September, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Lake | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |