Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Valleyview, Canada, where we experience significant sun exposure, especially during the summer months. With average UV levels peaking at 7 in the early afternoon, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. Our Dfb climate presents unique challenges, as sunny days can lead to high UV radiation even when temperatures are mild. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index today presents a gradual ascent, peaking in the early afternoon. Starting at a low 1 by 07:00, it rises steadily to 2 by 09:00, then sharply climbs to reach 6 at noon. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index peaks at 7 between 13:00 and 15:00, signaling a period of heightened sun intensity and caution for outdoor enthusiasts. Following this peak, the UV Index gently decreases, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and further to 2 by 19:00, indicating a safer window for those looking to enjoy the evening outdoors. Stay protected during those peak 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 | 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 we observe the seasonal changes in UV exposure, it's evident that the risk of sunburn increases significantly during the warmer months. The high-risk months—May through September—feature a consistently high UV Index of 7, indicating high exposure risk and a burn time of just 25 minutes. March and April also see moderate UV levels, making it crucial for residents and visitors to begin sun safety practices early in the spring. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December present a low UV Index, with burn times extending to 45 minutes. To ensure safety, it's advisable for everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the high-index months when sun exposure can quickly lead to skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valleyview | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 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 |