Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Squamish, Canada, where the stunning mountain backdrop can disguise significant sun exposure risks. As the UV levels can spike to an intense 8 during midday, being aware of the UV Index helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given Squamish's Cfb climate, characterized by moderately warm summers, the potential for high UV exposure is ever-present, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions during outdoor activities. Enjoy the beauty of nature while prioritizing your skin’s safety!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear and vigorous pattern of intensity. As the sun rises at 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, indicating minimal risk. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, still in the low range, but things escalate quickly; by 09:00, it reaches 3. The sun's power peaks astonishingly at 12:00, hitting a maximum of 8, which signifies a high risk for unprotected skin. This intense exposure persists until 14:00, before gradually tapering off through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 7, then diminishes further to 5 at 16:00, and continues to decline into the evening hours, settling back down to 1 by 19:00. Those planning outdoor activities during the midday hours should take care to protect themselves from the sun’s powerful 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin safety for visitors and residents. January to March sees a gradual increase in UV Index, peaking with a moderate level in March at 5, where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months, characterized by extremely high levels of UV radiation, are May through August, with indices soaring to 9 and enforcing a burn time of just 15 minutes. Following this, September presents a moderate risk with an index of 7, and a burn time of 25 minutes, before dropping again in October with a moderate index of 5. November and December then return to lower risks, emphasizing a UV Index of 2 and 1, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. To minimize the risk of UV-related harm, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Squamish | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |