Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the vibrant city of St. Albert, Canada, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized as Dfb, residents are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. The UV Index provides essential insight into sunburn risks, particularly during peak hours, such as between noon and 2 PM when levels can soar to 8—a strong indicator to take precautions. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while minimizing the risks of skin damage and long-term health issues. Whether lounging in a park or engaging in outdoor activities, respecting the UV Index can make all the difference in protecting your skin's health.
The UV Index today begins on a gentle note, peaking at just 1 during the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it takes a significant leap to 3 by 09:00 and reaches a moderate 4 by 10:00. The sun's intensity climbs to a robust 6 at 11:00, before hitting its zenith at a powerful 8 from 13:00 to 14:00. After this peak, the UV index gradually descends, softening to 7 at 15:00, and continuing down to 4 by 17:00. As the day winds down, conditions remain mild with readings of 3 at 18:00 and finally settling at 2 by 19:00. It's an excellent reminder to stay sun-safe during those prime hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and February have low to moderate UV indices (2 and 3 respectively), with a burn time of 45 and 30 minutes, suggesting that exposure is relatively safer. However, as March arrives, the UV Index climbs to 5, indicating a moderate risk. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV index reaches levels of 6 to 8, and burn times shrink to as little as 15 minutes in July, emphasizing the need for protection during this time. As September and October roll in, UV exposure decreases but remains significant, making it advisable for residents and visitors to be mindful of sun protection measures especially from April through August. To minimize the risk of skin damage, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is highly recommended.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Albert | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 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 |