Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Elkford, Canada is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in the region's unique Dfc climate. With maximum UV levels peaking at 9 between 1 PM and 2 PM, awareness of these fluctuations can help you take the necessary precautions during outdoor activities. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, residents and visitors can better protect themselves from harmful UV radiation that can lead to long-term skin damage. With Elkford's gorgeous landscapes inviting exploration, staying informed about UV exposure risks is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at a gentle 1 by 07:00. As the morning progresses, it steadily climbs, reaching 2 at 08:00 and hitting 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, delivering a powerful 8, making midday the prime time for sun exposure. The intensity peaks at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, touching 9—the highest of the day—before beginning a gradual decline. By late afternoon, the index drops to 7 at 4:00 PM, signaling a shift towards safer sun conditions. As evening approaches, the UV Index decreases to 3 by 6:00 PM, and during the final hours of daylight, it settles at 2 by 7:00 PM, wrapping up a day of varying UV intensity with a gentle closing. Remember to protect your skin during those high-value 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, peaking in the summer months of May through August with a consistent index of 9, indicating a very high risk for UV exposure, where the recommended burn time is only 15 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching high levels in April and September (7), while the winter months of January and February are characterized by low to moderate UV exposure, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. To protect against skin damage, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during high-risk months, particularly from May to August. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is strongly advised to minimize potential harm from ultraviolet 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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Elkford | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 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 |