Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Spirit River, Canada is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's climate zone (Dfb) that can lead to varying UV exposure throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 7 during midday hours, being aware of these fluctuations can help residents and visitors protect themselves while enjoying outdoor activities. Knowledge of UV risks not only safeguards against immediate skin damage but also contributes to long-term health, making it crucial to monitor these levels before heading out into the sun. Stay informed to enjoy Spirit River’s beautiful outdoors safely!
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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from April to September, where the index peaks between 6 and 7, corresponding to a high exposure category and a burn time of just 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during this period, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December show a low UV index of 1, allowing for more extended sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. As UV levels fluctuate, it's essential to stay informed and protect your skin, particularly during the highest-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit River | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 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 |