Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Smoky Lake, Canada, where the Dfb climate can lead to significant UV exposure, particularly during the sunny months. As UV levels peak around midday, being aware of the index helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. With readings soaring to 7 in the afternoon, it’s important to stay informed about UV risks to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely. Regularly checking the UV Index can guide you in planning activities around safer exposure times, ensuring a healthy balance between outdoor enjoyment and skin safety.
The UV Index from 07:00 to 19:00 reveals a clear peak in solar intensity, making midday precautions essential for sun safety. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, the index steadily climbs, hitting 2 by 08:00 and reaching its summit at a striking 7 between 12:00 and 15:00. This period, marked as the highest risk, advises optimal sun protection. After 15:00, the index gradually declines, falling back to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. Be sure to stay aware of these fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |