Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Smoky Lake, Canada, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As UV levels can reach a maximum of 8 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. With a Dfb climate zone that brings both warm summers and cold winters, residents and visitors alike need to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks—especially during the peak hours when the sun's rays are most intense. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
From dawn to dusk, the UV Index displays a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, it starts off conservatively at 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. Following this zenith, the index begins to decline, dipping back to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 again by 7:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, keep an eye on the UV levels, particularly during midday when they reach their highest and most potent levels!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, affecting the risk of sunburn and skin damage for both visitors and residents. January to March starts with low to moderate UV levels, where the risk of harm is minimal, allowing for burn times of up to 45 minutes in January. As spring progresses into April and May, the UV Index increases, reaching high levels by May, with burn times decreasing to 25 minutes. The peak of risk occurs in July, with an exceptionally high UV Index of 8, resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. Following July, UV levels remain high through August and September but gradually decline, returning to moderate levels by October. As winter approaches, the UV Index drops to low levels again in November and December. It is crucial for everyone to stay informed, particularly during the high-risk months of May to September, ensuring appropriate sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves are used to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky Lake | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 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 |