Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Fort Saskatchewan, Canada, as it plays a crucial role in protecting skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With the region's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers, sun exposure can pose significant risks, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches levels of 7 to 8 from 12:00 to 14:00. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and free from harmful effects. Let’s explore how to navigate UV risks in our beautiful community!
The UV Index today starts off mild, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 3, marking the beginning of a sun-soaked day. As the clock strikes 12:00 PM, prepare for the highest point of the day at 7, followed closely by a peak of 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. After this intense stretch, the UV levels begin to dip, returning to a more manageable 4 by 5:00 PM and gently fading to 2 by the time the sun sets at 7:00 PM. It's a great reminder to stay protected during those peak hours when the UV rays are strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. From January to April, the UV Index gradually increases from 2 (low) to 6 (high), with a notable surge in May and June, where it reaches 7 (high) and remains there into August. The highest risk months are July, when the UV Index hits 8 (very high) with a burn time of just 15 minutes, and then it dips slightly to 7 in August. Post-summer, the UV Index decreases to 6 in September, 4 in October, and returns to low levels by November and December (UV Index 2 and 1, respectively). Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during high-risk months from April to September, particularly in July, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to ensure safety against UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Saskatchewan | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 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 |