Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Stony Plain, Canada, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With Alberta's pleasant yet variable climate, residents can experience varying levels of UV exposure throughout the year, particularly during peak hours. Awareness of the UV levels is essential for preventing sunburns and reducing long-term skin damage. Typically peaking around midday with indices reaching as high as 7, the sun can pose significant risks even on seemingly mild days. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at 07:00 with a low score of 1. By 09:00, it approaches moderate levels, reaching 2. The real magic happens between 10:00 and 13:00, where the index climbs sharply, hitting 6 at 12:00 and peaking at 7 during 13:00. From here, we see a gradual decline: a drop to 6 at 15:00, settling into the 5 range by the late afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV levels decrease further, falling back to 2 by 18:00, and finally resting at 1 as daylight fades into evening. Stay protected! Remember, the sun's rays are most potent during the midday 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest exposure levels occurring during the summer months. From May to August, the UV Index peaks at 7 to 8, categorizing these months as high to very high risk for sunburn, with burn times as low as 15 minutes in July. Visitors and residents are particularly advised to take precautions during these months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. Conversely, the winter and early spring months (January, November, and December) present a much lower risk with UV Index values ranging from 1 to 2 and burn times extending to 45 minutes. Overall, while UV exposure increases steadily from February onwards, the most critical months for sun safety are June to August; vigilant sun protection during this time is essential.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Plain | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 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 |