Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Slave Lake, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during the peak hours when the index rises to as high as 7—a significant risk for overexposure. With Slave Lake's Dfc climate, characterized by cool summers and clear skies, the sun can be deceptively intense, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. Embrace sun safety by keeping a close eye on the UV Index and enjoy the great outdoors responsibly!
The UV Index for the day shows a steady rise as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 07:00, it begins at a minimal level of 1, ideal for early risers. By 09:00, it briefly escalates to 2, but the real surge happens between 10:00 and 12:00, reaching a peak of 7—the perfect time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! The intensity remains at a solid 7 until 15:00, ensuring ample sun exposure for outdoor activities while reminding everyone to stay cautious. As the day winds down, the index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and settling at 2 by 19:00. Overall, it's a quintessential day for enjoying the sunshine, yet a vigilant approach to sun safety is crucial during those 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As we observe the seasonal changes in UV exposure, it's evident that the risk of sunburn increases significantly during the warmer months. The high-risk months—May through September—feature a consistently high UV Index of 7, indicating high exposure risk and a burn time of just 25 minutes. March and April also see moderate UV levels, making it crucial for residents and visitors to begin sun safety practices early in the spring. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December present a low UV Index, with burn times extending to 45 minutes. To ensure safety, it's advisable for everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the high-index months when sun exposure can quickly lead to skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slave Lake | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 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 |