Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prince George, Canada, where the risk of harmful UV radiation can increase significantly during sunny months. With this city’s Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers, it's essential to be aware of UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Knowledge of UV exposure not only helps in avoiding painful burns but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and conditions like skin cancer. As the sun reaches its peak with the UV Index soaring to levels 6 and 7 around midday, staying informed can empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 3, prompting some caution for those venturing outdoors. 10:00 marks a notable surge to 4, and the UV Index peaks at 7 during the height of the day at 13:00. After this zenith, it gradually dips, returning to 6 at 14:00 before easing down to 2 by 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index settles back to 1 by 19:00, providing a gentle close to the daylight hours. Ensure to protect your skin during the peak hours of 11:00 to 13:00 when the sun's rays are strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 |