Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nelson, Canada, especially given the region's unique climate zone (Dfc) that combines cold winters with warm summers. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. During peak sun hours, the UV Index can soar to 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With Nelson's stunning outdoor landscapes, it's important to stay informed about these risks to enjoy the sunny days while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index peaks significantly throughout the day, starting with a low 1 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm, which escalates sharply to a high of 9 between 12:00 and 13:00. This substantial index signifies that precautions are necessary, especially with the sun at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 5 by 16:00, and further tapering off to a mere 1 by 19:00. For those outdoors, staying protected during the peak hours is critical for skin health!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Nelson | 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 |