Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Salt Spring Island, Canada, where the beauty of its landscapes can often mask the risks associated with sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 9 around midday, awareness of these measurements is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Salt Spring Island's mild Csb climate means that while it enjoys vibrant summers, the potential for harmful UV damage remains high, particularly during the peak hours. Staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the island’s stunning vistas while keeping your skin safe from the sun’s powerful rays.
The UV Index on this particular day begins its ascent at 07:00 with a moderate level of 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 at 09:00 and soaring to a striking 5 by 10:00. The day’s intensity peaks at 12:00, with the UV Index at a sizzling 8. Just an hour later, it reaches its maximum of 9 at 13:00, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. Thankfully, the intensity starts to wane after this peak, coming down to 8 at 14:00, and then gradually decreasing to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dips back to 2 at 18:00 and finally settles at 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a day filled with varying levels of UV exposure. Be sure to take precautions during those midday hours to shield yourself from the sun’s rays!
| 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 | 7 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, impacting outdoor activities and skin protection needs. January and November see low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes without risk of burning. As winter ends and spring arrives, the UV Index rises to 6 in April, marking a shift to high risk, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. The summer months of May through August reach their peak, showcasing very high levels (UVI 8-9) and a much shorter burn time of only 15 minutes. In September, the risk remains elevated at a UVI of 7, while October drops back to moderate levels (UVI 4). Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months from April to September by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize UV exposure and reduce 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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Salt Spring Island | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |