Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of High River, Canada, where the Dfb climate brings a unique blend of sunny days and potential UV exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 8 during the midday hours, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. As outdoor activities become more prevalent, being informed about the UV Index can help safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation, ensuring that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. The intensity picks up rapidly, reaching a peak of 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, signaling the sun's strength at midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines; by 5:00 PM, it drops to 4, and further to 3 by 6:00 PM. By the time the sun begins to set at 7:00 PM, the UV Index falls back to a low 1. This pattern beautifully illustrates the sun's journey, reminding us to stay protected during the day's sunniest hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | 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 |