Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of High Level, Canada, where the unique climate can lead to varying degrees of sun exposure throughout the year. As UV levels rise—peaking at a significant 6 around midday—it's crucial to be aware of potential risks like sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With the Dfc climate zone typical of this northern region, the intensity of sunlight can be deceiving, making it essential to regularly check UV levels and adopt protective measures during peak sunlight hours. Staying informed empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the sun's rays gradually build in strength. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, and by 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3. The real peak comes at noon, hitting 5, and then soaring to a maximum of 6 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—perfect for sunbathing but a reminder to protect your skin! As the afternoon continues, it sees a gentle decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index sinks back to 3 at 5:00 PM and further to 2 by 6:00 PM, before resting again at 2 for the evening hours. Remember to take care of your skin, especially during those 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks of sun exposure. January through February are relatively safe months, with a low UV index of 1-2 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April show a rise to a moderate UV index of 3-4 with reduced burn times of 30 minutes. The summer months, particularly May to August, present the highest risk, featuring high UV index values of 6-7 and short burn times of 25 minutes. July emerges as the peak risk month. In September and October, UV exposure moderate again, with indices of 5 and 3, while November and December return to a low UV risk. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 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 |