Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Stony Plain, Canada, where sunshine can be deceptively strong. With our Dfb climate, the risk of UV exposure varies significantly throughout the day, especially during peak hours from noon to 2 PM when levels can soar to 7. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. By recognizing the importance of sun safety and monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Alberta outdoors while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays!
At dawn, the UV Index begins gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, ideal for a leisurely start. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and climbing steadily to 4 by 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, it peaks at 5, signaling the sun’s growing strength. The afternoon sees an impressive UV index of 7 at 12:00 PM, maintaining this level until 2:00 PM—a prime time for outdoor activities, but remember to protect your skin! As the day winds down, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM and then tapering off to 4 by 5:00 PM, finally falling back to 2 by 6:00 PM and 1 again at 7:00 PM. It becomes clear: while midday brings the most sun strength, the shifting UV conditions throughout the day remind us to stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors responsibly!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | 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 |