Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lethbridge, Canada is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining your overall health. With UV levels peaking at 9 during midday hours, it's crucial to be aware of potential sunburn risks and the long-term impact on skin health. Lethbridge, situated in a Dfb climate zone, experiences sunny days and high UV exposure, particularly in the summer months. Armed with UV Index knowledge, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises to its peak, painting a vivid picture of sun intensity. At 7:00 AM, the index starts modestly at 1, making for a gentle morning. By 8:00 AM, we see a slight increase to 2, perfect for a stroll. The sun gains strength, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM and hitting 4 at 10:00 AM. It’s 11:00 AM when things heat up with a 6, leading into the midday sun, where the UV Index surges to a striking 8 at 12:00 PM. The peak occurs at 1:00 PM, with a sizzling 9, holding steady until 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips gradually, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then further to 6 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, it eases to 4, followed by a gentle descent to 3 at 6:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index softens to 1 by 7:00 PM, bidding farewell to a day of vibrant sun exposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which is crucial for understanding sun exposure risks. From January to February, the UV Index starts low at 2, indicating a minimal risk of harm, but it gradually rises to 3 in February, marking a moderate exposure category with a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk intensifies significantly from March to August, peaking at 9 during June and July, where the burn time reduces to just 15 minutes under very high risk. May and August also remain dangerous with an 8 rating. As fall approaches, the UV levels drop, presenting a high risk of 7 in September, then decrease again to moderate and low levels by October through December. Visitors and residents are advised to protect themselves during high-risk months, particularly from late spring through summer, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, as sun exposure can lead to serious 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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Lethbridge | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |