Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nakusp, Canada, where the beautiful yet varying climate can lead to concerning levels of sun exposure. With a typical Dfc climate that features a mix of sunny and overcast days, recognizing UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect skin health effectively. During peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 9, indicating a significant risk of harm to unprotected skin. Staying informed about these levels not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also promotes long-term skin health for everyone in this picturesque region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, slowly warming up for the day ahead. Things heat up significantly by 09:00, hitting 4, and by 10:00, it climbs to a peak of 6. The zenith arrives at 12:00, where the index stands tall at 8, and by 13:00, it reaches a sizzling 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon wears on, the UV intensity begins to wane, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and then to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it cools further to 5, retreating to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief as the UV Index transitions back down to 2 at 18:00 and finally returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. This hourly journey highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons progress, the UV Index reflects significant changes in sun exposure, with noteworthy implications for both visitors and residents. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May through August, when the UV Index consistently reaches levels of 9 (very high), resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. Starting in April, with a UV Index of 7, precautions become increasingly vital. In the early months of the year, from January to March, the UV Index remains relatively low to moderate, with burn times increasing to 45 minutes in January. To ensure safety, it's crucial to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during midday hours, particularly during the peak summer months when UV exposure poses the greatest risk.
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 |
| Nakusp | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 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 |