Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Elkford, Canada, where the unique mountain climate can lead to varying sun exposure levels. Understanding UV levels is essential for protecting your skin from sunburn and preventing long-term skin damage, especially during the summer months when the UV Index peaks. In Elkford's Dfc climate zone, you can expect moderate to high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, with indices soaring to 9—indicative of a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beauty of your surroundings!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a low of 1 by 07:00 and 08:00. The real leap begins at 09:00, where it reaches 3, escalating to 4 by 10:00. As noon approaches, the UV Index peaks at an impressive 9 from 13:00 to 14:00, making it crucial to take protective measures during those hours. Afterward, it begins to taper off, dropping to 6 by 16:00, and further declining through the late afternoon and evening, eventually falling back to 1 by 19:00. For those venturing outdoors, staying vigilant to the UV levels during the midday hours is essential for skin protection!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |