Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kimberley, Canada, a vibrant community nestled in the scenic Kootenay region. Awareness of UV levels is vital not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for promoting long-term skin health. With Kimberley's climate classified as Dfc, outdoor enthusiasts and families should be especially vigilant, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure can peak at levels as high as 9 around midday. Being informed about the UV Index allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
This hour-by-hour UV Index data paints a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. At 07:00 and 08:00, the UV Index remains low at just 1, making it safe for outdoor activities. However, as the clock ticks toward mid-morning, the value climbs to 2 by 09:00. The sun's power peaks between 12:00 and 14:00, with a striking 8 and 9 respectively, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 15:00, the index begins to decrease, dipping to 8, and continues its descent through the late afternoon and evening, reaching 5 at 17:00 and down to 2 by 19:00. Remember, during those mid-day hours, proper sun protection is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, impacting sun exposure risk. High-risk months, particularly May through August, experience a very high UV Index of 9, where even brief periods of sun exposure can lead to skin damage, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and September present high UV levels (7), reducing burn times to 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December show lower UV levels, making them less risky with burn times of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety measures from April to August, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. It's essential to remain vigilant even during moderate months, as UV exposure can accumulate.
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 |
| Kimberley | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 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 |