Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Medicine Hat, Canada, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the city's BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and sunny skies, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially around noon when the UV Index can reach up to 8, the risk of harmful exposure surges. By staying informed about UV levels and taking necessary precautions, residents can enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that Medicine Hat has to offer, all while keeping their skin healthy and safe.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of solar intensity. At 07:00, it starts off gently at 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises to 2 by 08:00 and hits 3 by 09:00, indicating a gradual increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives at 13:00 with an impressive 8, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautionary measures. Following this, the intensity begins to recede, dropping to 6 by 15:00, and decreasing to 5 by 16:00. As dusk descends, the UV Index cools down to 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of how the sun's strength can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, indicating a clear seasonal pattern in sun exposure risk. From January to March, UV levels remain low to moderate, with the highest burn time of 45 minutes in January. However, as spring arrives in April, the UV Index spikes to 6, marking the beginning of the high exposure category. The summer months, particularly May through August, present the greatest risk, with UV indices peaking at 9 in June and July, necessitating protective measures as burn times drop to just 15 minutes. In contrast, September to November sees a gradual decrease in UV levels, returning to low exposure by December. Visitors and residents should exercise extra caution during the high-risk months of May through August by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours 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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Medicine Hat | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |