Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in High River, Canada is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. High River's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and clear skies, can amplify these risks, making it crucial for residents and visitors alike to keep a close eye on daily UV readings. By staying informed, you can enjoy the sun responsibly while protecting your skin from its damaging effects.
During the early hours, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, reaching 3 by 09:00 and hitting 4 at 10:00. The intensity escalates significantly around 11:00, soaring to 6, and continues to climb, peaking at a strong 9 from 13:00 to 14:00. The intensity slightly tapers off after that, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and then gradually decreasing through the late afternoon and evening, landing at 2 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest, especially between 12:00 and 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, highlighting the importance of sun protection for both residents and visitors. During the winter months (January to February), the UV Index remains low to moderate, with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March and April, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching a high of 6 in April, which necessitates increased caution. The summer season (May to August) marks a significant peak in UV exposure, with indices soaring to very high levels of 8 to 9, resulting in quick burn times of just 15 minutes—this is the high-risk period for sunburn and skin damage. As summer transitions into fall (September to October), the UV Index gradually decreases but still remains in the moderate to high categories, with burn times between 25 to 30 minutes. To protect yourself, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen, particularly from May through August when UV levels are at their most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| High River | 2 | 3 | 5 | 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 |