Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Jasper, Canada is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this vibrant destination while prioritizing skin health. With the region situated in a Dfc climate zone, residents and visitors alike face fluctuating UV levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not monitored carefully. As the UV Index peaks around noon, often reaching levels as high as 8, awareness of these changes can help you take necessary precautions, ensuring a fun and safe experience under the sun. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can protect yourself and make the most of Jasper's stunning landscapes without compromising your skin’s safety.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting off low at 1 at 07:00 and remaining steady through 08:00. By 09:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual intensification. The index reaches a noticeable 4 at 10:00, but it isn't until noon that it peaks at a striking 7. Both 12:00 and 13:00 maintain this high level, emphasizing the need for sun protection. The highest reading of the day occurs at 14:00, hitting 8, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, tapering to 6 by 16:00, then 4 at 17:00, and finally resting at 2 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of being mindful of sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, impacting sun exposure safety for visitors and residents. January and February start with low to moderate levels (UV Index 2 and 3), allowing for longer burn times of 45 and 30 minutes, respectively. As spring progresses into March and April, the UV Index rises to moderate and high levels (5 and 6), reducing safe sun exposure times to 30 and 25 minutes. The high-risk months commence in May and persist through August, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 8 and sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. September sees a decline back to a high category (UV Index 6) with a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate conditions in October. November and December present a significant drop to low levels (UV Index 2 and 1), allowing for burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months from May to August by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Jasper | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 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 |