Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Wetaskiwin, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels plays a crucial role in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, especially during the peak summer months when the index can reach as high as 7. With Wetaskiwin's Dfb climate, which features warm summers and varying sun exposure, residents must stay informed about UV risks, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM when UV levels are at their highest. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
From early morning until dusk, the UV Index unfolds a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, it gradually rises, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM. Things heat up as we approach midday, with the index peaking at a robust 7 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM—the time when sun protection is crucial. As the day winds down, the index begins to dip, falling to 4 by 5:00 PM and gently tapering to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun smart, especially during those peak hours when the UV index soars.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. From January to April, the UV Index gradually increases from 2 (low) to 6 (high), with a notable surge in May and June, where it reaches 7 (high) and remains there into August. The highest risk months are July, when the UV Index hits 8 (very high) with a burn time of just 15 minutes, and then it dips slightly to 7 in August. Post-summer, the UV Index decreases to 6 in September, 4 in October, and returns to low levels by November and December (UV Index 2 and 1, respectively). Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during high-risk months from April to September, particularly in July, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to ensure safety against UV radiation.
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 |
| Wetaskiwin | 2 | 3 | 4 | 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 |