Last updated: June 2, 2025
In High Prairie, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As sunlight levels fluctuate throughout the day, understanding these UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a humid continental climate (Dfc), High Prairie experiences varying UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the UV Index can reach as high as 7. Being aware of these levels empowers residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time outdoors.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a clear progression, starting from a low 1 at 07:00 and gradually rising to its peak of 7 between 13:00 and 14:00. This midday surge underscores the importance of sun protection as UV radiation intensifies. After reaching this high point, the index gradually descends, dropping to 5 at 16:00 and easing further to 2 by 19:00. With these fluctuations, it's vital to stay vigilant; applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing during the hours of 10:00 to 15:00 will help safeguard against potential sun damage. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to keep your skin safe!
| 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 | 4 | 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 varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May through September when the UV Index reaches 7, indicating a high exposure category and a burn time of only 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December present a much lower risk, characterized by a UV Index of 1 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As the seasons change, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risks associated with increased UV exposure. Additionally, during the moderate months of March, April, October, and early spring, take caution and enjoy the sun responsibly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Prairie | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 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 |