Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Smithers, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors safely. Nestled in a Dfc climate zone, Smithers experiences unique UV exposure risks that can fluctuate with the seasons. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 8—especially around midday—awareness of these levels empowers residents to take proactive steps in sun protection and enjoy all the beauty the area has to offer without compromising skin safety.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a distinct pattern of increasing intensity as the sun rises. At 07:00, the index starts at a mild 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the intensity ramps up, peaking at an impressive 8 during the hours of 13:00 and 14:00—a clear indication that midday sun is at its most potent. After this height, the index begins to descend, dropping back to 6 at 16:00, and later settling at a more manageable 1 by 19:00. This hourly data clearly underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hour for outdoor activities.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |