Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Sundre, Canada, where the sunny climate brings unique challenges for residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to levels 7 and 8 around midday. With Sundre’s distinct Dfc climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, it's vital to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in safeguarding your health under the sun!
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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring in the summer months. From January (UV Index 2) to March (UV Index 4), exposure levels are relatively low to moderate, allowing for longer burn times of 30–45 minutes. However, as we transition into April (UV Index 6) and May (UV Index 7), the risk escalates into the high category, reducing burn times to 25 minutes. The peak risk months are June and July, when the UV Index reaches 8–9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. August sees a slight decline (UV Index 8), but remains critical. In September (UV Index 7) and October (UV Index 4), the risk decreases again, returning to moderate levels with burn times of 25–30 minutes. November and December return to low risk with extended burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Sundre | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |