Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sexsmith, Canada is essential for residents to protect their skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 7 during the midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Given Sexsmith's Dfc climate, which features chilly winters and warm summers, it's important to recognize the risks associated with UV exposure, particularly during the sunny months. Stay informed about the UV Index to ensure safe sun practices and enjoy the outdoors responsibly!
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for an early morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by 9:00 AM and escalates to 3 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in at 11:00 AM, peaking at 6 and then soaring to its maximum of 7 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, making midday the time to seek shelter or apply sunscreen generously. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, 5 at 4:00 PM, and gradually descending to 2 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic shift in UV levels underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | 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, UV radiation levels show significant seasonal variation. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from May to July, peaking in July with a UV Index of 8, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents during these months should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, moving to moderate levels by October and returning to low during the winter months of January, November, and December. Thus, it is essential to stay vigilant about UV exposure, especially between late spring and summer, to protect your skin and overall health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexsmith | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 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 |