Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nanaimo, Canada is crucial for safeguarding your health under the sun. As residents enjoy the city's beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Nanaimo's Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and damp winters, the potential for high UV exposure is significant, especially during peak hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM when the index can soar to 8 or 9. Stay informed and protect your skin while soaking in the beauty of this vibrant locale!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, perfect for those early morning strolls. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The UV rays become more prominent by 09:00, reaching a 3, and then escalate significantly as the day progresses. At 10:00, the index spikes to 5, and by 11:00 it reaches 6, indicating a real need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index hits a striking 8, followed closely by a 9 at 13:00, marking the most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls in, from 14:00 onwards, the UV levels start to wane, settling at 8 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. The evening approaches with a decrescendo; the index drops to 5 at 16:00, tailing off to 4 by 17:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, awareness and protection make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months of May through August when it reaches levels categorized as very high. May sees a UV Index of 8, progressing to 9 in both June and July, before slightly declining to 8 in August. These months are particularly high-risk, with significantly reduced burn times of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index decreases, dropping to 6 in September and moderating to 4 in October, where the burn time increases back to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to reduce the risk of sun damage, especially during midday hours when the UV radiation is strongest. In contrast, the winter months from November to February present lower UV levels, with January and December categorized as low, allowing for safer outdoor activities without extensive sun protection.
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 |
| Nanaimo | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 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 |