Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Grimshaw, Canada, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by distinct seasons (Dfc), Grimshaw experiences varying UV exposure throughout the year, and it's crucial to know when the sun's rays are strongest. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, the UV Index can reach levels of 5 to 7, indicating a moderate to high risk for skin damage even on overcast days. Staying informed about UV levels is a vital step in protecting yourself, especially for outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Canadian outdoors safely.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for an early morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by 9:00 AM and escalates to 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in at 11:00 AM, peaking at 6 and then soaring to its maximum of 7 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, making midday the time to seek shelter or apply sunscreen generously. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, 5 at 4:00 PM, and gradually descending to 2 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic shift in UV levels underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates, with high-risk months occurring from May to August, when the UV Index reaches 6 or 7, indicating heightened risk for skin damage. In these months, burn time for unprotected skin reduces to just 25 minutes. Moderate levels in March, April, September, and October suggest a more cautious approach is still warranted, allowing for 30 minutes of exposure before risking a burn. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December feature a low UV Index of 1 or 2, with burn times of 45 minutes, making them safer for prolonged outdoor activities. It’s essential for visitors and residents alike to scale their sun exposure accordingly, ensuring proper skin protection during the high-risk months and enjoying the lower risks opportunistically in the winter.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grimshaw | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 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 |