Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Smithers, Canada, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities safely. With a Dfc climate zone, Smithers experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking with a UV Index of 8 between 1 PM and 2 PM. As you plan your day in this picturesque town, staying informed about the UV Index can ensure you take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin and fully embrace the beauty of the great outdoors.
From dawn to dusk, the UV Index displays a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, it starts off conservatively at 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. Following this zenith, the index begins to decline, dipping back to 4 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 again by 7:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, keep an eye on the UV levels, particularly during midday when they reach their highest and most potent levels!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with key points in spring and summer marking higher risks for skin damage. January and February present low UV levels (1-2), allowing for safer outdoor exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April see a rise to moderate levels (4-5), with a decreased burn time of 30 minutes. However, the summer months of May through July are particularly concerning, as the UV Index spikes to 8, categorized as very high, diminishing safe exposure to just 15 minutes. Even in August and September, the risk remains elevated (6-7), with burn times increasing slightly to 25 minutes. As the year winds down, UV levels drop back to moderate in October and low in November and December. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of May to September, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithers | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 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 |