Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Three Hills, Canada is vital for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With typical UV levels reaching their peak during the summer months, awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Three Hills, situated in a Dfb climate zone, experiences significant seasonal variation, resulting in fluctuating UV exposure throughout the year. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks associated with elevated sunlight exposure.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinctive pattern, beginning at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling the start of peak sun exposure. As the clock strikes noon, the Index soars to a high of 8, remaining steady at this elevated level until 2:00 PM—the sun's zenith for UV intensity. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index dips gradually, falling to 6 by 4:00 PM, and further declining to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data implores outdoor enthusiasts to take heed around midday when protective measures are crucial to safely enjoying the sunshine.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons shift, the UV Index reflects notable changes in sun exposure risk, peaking during the summer months. From April to August, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching levels of 7 to 8, categorizing these months as high to very high risk for sunburn, with the minimum burn time dropping to just 15 minutes in June, July, and August. January and February begin with low to moderate exposure, easing gradually until the spring months. October marks a decrease to moderate levels again, while November and December return to low UV exposure, allowing for greater safety. Residents and visitors should take precautions during the high-risk months of April through August, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak 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 |
| Three Hills | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 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 |