Last updated: May 3, 2025
In New Westminster, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun's rays are especially intense during the warmer months and midday hours, understanding the UV levels can significantly reduce your risk of skin damage. With a Cfb climate that brings mild summers and relatively high UV exposure, it’s common for residents to experience discomfort from sunlight during peak hours. Regularly checking the UV Index helps you plan your outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects of UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of solar intensity. At 07:00, it starts off gently at 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises to 2 by 08:00 and hits 3 by 09:00, indicating a gradual increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives at 13:00 with an impressive 8, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautionary measures. Following this, the intensity begins to recede, dropping to 6 by 15:00, and decreasing to 5 by 16:00. As dusk descends, the UV Index cools down to 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of how the sun's strength can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, indicating varying sun exposure levels. January begins with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March see moderate levels, with indices of 3 and 4 respectively, resulting in burn times of 30 minutes. However, April marks the start of high UV exposure with an index of 6 and continues into the summer months, peaking in July at 9—the most high-risk month—where only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is safe. August remains very high, while September tapers to a high index of 6. By October, the UV Index dips back to 4, gradually returning to low levels by November and December, where residents and visitors can safely enjoy 45 minutes of sun without concern. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during May through August, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| New Westminster | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 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 |