Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Edmonton, Canada is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health, especially as the sun can be deceptively strong even on cooler days. With a Dfb climate, Edmonton experiences distinct seasonal variations, but during summer months, UV levels can soar, leading to an increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 7, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harmful exposure.
The UV Index today has seen a steady rise, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and escalating to a peak of 7 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This level indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making midday hours crucial for sun safety measures. By 4:00 PM, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5, and further decreasing to 2 by the evening, suggesting a more comfortable sun exposure as the day winds down. Remember to apply sunscreen and seek shade during the peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and February have low to moderate UV indices (2 and 3 respectively), with a burn time of 45 and 30 minutes, suggesting that exposure is relatively safer. However, as March arrives, the UV Index climbs to 5, indicating a moderate risk. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV index reaches levels of 6 to 8, and burn times shrink to as little as 15 minutes in July, emphasizing the need for protection during this time. As September and October roll in, UV exposure decreases but remains significant, making it advisable for residents and visitors to be mindful of sun protection measures especially from April through August. To minimize the risk of skin damage, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is highly recommended.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton | 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 |