Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Paddle Prairie, Canada, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the area experiencing a Dfc climate, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the varying UV levels throughout the day. Understanding these levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding against long-term skin damage. As the sun rises, the UV Index peaks between 12 PM and 2 PM, reaching levels of 6 to 7, making it important to take protective measures during these hours. Knowing when the sun's rays are most intense will help you stay safe and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it gently climbs to 2 by 9:00 AM, but the real intensity arrives at midday. By 12:00 PM, the index reaches 6, and it continues to soar to its maximum of 7 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually taper off, descending to 5 by 4:00 PM and finally settling back to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the UV exposure is most potent.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 experiences distinct seasonal changes that highlight varying levels of sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index remains low at 1-2, allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March (Index 3) and continues into April (Index 5), the risk becomes moderate, with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The summer months, particularly May through August, see a significant increase in risk, peaking at Index 7 in July, indicating high exposure levels with only 25 minutes until burning. As we transition into autumn, September and October see a moderate risk once again, before dropping back to low levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months from May to August by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. It is crucial to stay informed and protect your skin, especially during peak hours of sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddle Prairie | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |