Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Abbotsford, Canada, where the climate often brings warm summers and varying cloud cover, leading to unexpected sun exposure. Knowledge of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, as even on seemingly mild days, UV radiation can be strong. With peak UV levels soaring to 7 around noon, Abbotsford residents must stay vigilant about sun protection to enjoy the great outdoors safely while minimizing their risk of skin damage.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a steady climb, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 7. The morning begins gently, with values starting at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun ascends higher, the index swells to 6 by 11:00 and peaks at 7 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating strong sun exposure. Post-peak, the UV Index gracefully descends, slipping back to 6 at 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay mindful of sun protection, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes that impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV Index peaks at 9 in July, indicating very high exposure risk with a burn time as low as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Meanwhile, the winter months of January and February see a drop in UV levels to 2 and 3, classified as low to moderate, allowing for more lenient sun exposure while still taking care to protect skin. As the UV Index generally decreases towards the end of the year, exposure caution can be relaxed, particularly in November and December when burn times extend back to 45 minutes.
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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Abbotsford | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 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 |