Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prince George, Canada, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. With a Dfb climate, this northern city experiences distinct seasons, but when the sun shines brightly, the UV levels can rise, especially during midday hours. Awareness of these levels is vital not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. From 11 AM to 2 PM, when the UV Index peaks at 7, the risk of overexposure increases significantly. Stay informed and protect yourself to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Prince George safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, impacting the level of sun exposure that visitors and residents should consider. January and February are the safest months, with a low UV Index of 1-2, allowing for extended exposure times of up to 45 minutes without risk of burning. As spring arrives in March and April, the UV Index rises to a moderate level of 4-5, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The high-risk months of May and June see the Index reach 7, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This trend continues into the peak of summer, where July and August present very high readings of 8, drastically cutting exposure time to 15 minutes. Moving into fall, September experiences a decline to a high UV Index of 6, while October and November return to moderate and low levels, respectively. Finally, December returns to a low UV Index of 1. To ensure safety, individuals are advised to take protective measures, especially during the summer months when UV exposure is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |