Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dawson Creek, Canada, is crucial for protecting your health and well-being under the sun. With peak UV levels reaching up to 7 during the midday hours, awareness of these readings is key to preventing sunburn and ensuring long-term skin health. Dawson Creek's Dfc climate provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, but it also presents typical UV exposure risks, especially in summer. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the sun safely while taking necessary precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating low sun exposure. By 9:00 AM, it rises to a 3, signaling a gentle increase in UV rays. The sun reaches its peak intensity around noon, with the index hitting 7—a reminder to stay protected. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the index holds steady at this elevated level, ideal for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines: 6 at 3:00 PM, then tapering to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder that while the sun’s power peaks early in the day, it’s essential to stay aware of UV exposure throughout.
| 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 | 5 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from May through September when the UV Index reaches 7, indicating a high exposure category and a burn time of only 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December present a much lower risk, characterized by a UV Index of 1 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As the seasons change, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risks associated with increased UV exposure. Additionally, during the moderate months of March, April, October, and early spring, take caution and enjoy the sun responsibly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek | 1 | 2 | 3 | 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 |