Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Lacombe, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is essential to protect your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the UV Index rises significantly. Given Lacombe's Dfb climate, with its fluctuating weather patterns and increasing sun exposure during summer months, being aware of UV risks is crucial for enjoying the outdoors safely. By knowing when to cover up or seek shade, you ensure a healthier future while soaking up the beautiful Alberta sun!
The UV Index today starts off mild, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 3, marking the beginning of a sun-soaked day. As the clock strikes 12:00 PM, prepare for the highest point of the day at 7, followed closely by a peak of 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. After this intense stretch, the UV levels begin to dip, returning to a more manageable 4 by 5:00 PM and gently fading to 2 by the time the sun sets at 7:00 PM. It's a great reminder to stay protected during those peak hours when the UV rays are strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months identified as April through August, during which the UV Index can reach as high as 8 and fall within the very high exposure category. Specifically, June and July are the peak months for UV exposure, requiring extra caution as the burn time shortens to just 15 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present the lowest UV indices, categorized as low exposure, allowing for safer outdoor activities with extended burn times of 45 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should remain vigilant in high-risk months, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, while enjoying the more forgiving UV levels during the winter months.
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 |
| Lacombe | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 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 |