Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sundre, Canada, especially during the sunny summer days typical of its Dfc climate. With UV levels often peaking at 8 and 9 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. As you enjoy the great outdoors, being mindful of these UV indices can help you take proactive measures against harmful exposure, ensuring your time in Sundre is not only enjoyable but also safe. So, whether you're hiking, fishing, or simply basking in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential for your wellbeing.
The UV Index displays its daily performance, starting off with a low score of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe morning for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, reaching 4 by 10:00 and escalating to a striking 8 by noon. The peak intensity occurs from 13:00 to 14:00 with a maximum value of 9, indicating a critical time for sun exposure. Fortunately, the risk starts to decrease as the afternoon progresses, with values dropping to 6 at 16:00 and further to 3 by 18:00. Overall, while midday offers high UV exposure, the early morning and late afternoon present a more cautious sun environment, perfect for enjoying the day without excessive risk.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | 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 |