Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lethbridge, Canada, is essential for safeguarding your skin health under the sun. With typical UV levels reaching a maximum of 9 during peak hours, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Lethbridge's Dfb climate brings diverse weather patterns, but its strong summer sun can amplify UV risks, making knowledge about daily UV exposure even more critical. Stay informed and enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your skin safe!
A beautiful day unfolds as the UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning and peaks during the afternoon. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The intensity increases further, reaching a noticeable 5 at 10:00 and hitting a striking 6 at 11:00. Just after midday, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, signaling the importance of protective measures. As the sun starts to descend, values ease back to 8 at 15:00, before gradually dropping to 4 at 17:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. This progression emphasizes the need for awareness and protection from UV rays, especially during the midday heat.
| 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 | 5 | 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 |