UV Index in Victoria, Canada

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Victoria, Canada, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels reaching a notable 9 during peak sunlight hours, awareness can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. The mild Csb climate of Victoria brings unique exposure risks, especially in summer months when UV intensity can be deceptively high. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Victoria

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:003moderate30 min
10:005moderate30 min
11:007high25 min
12:008very high15 min
13:009very high15 min
14:008very high15 min
15:007high25 min
16:006high25 min
17:004moderate30 min
18:002low45 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Victoria

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Victoria, Canada

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Victoria. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec235689987421
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Victoria, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Victoria UV Index with Other Canada Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Victoria compares to other major locations across Canada. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Victoria's solar exposure compared to other cities in Canada. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edmonton UVI235677876421
Calgary UVI234688987421
Victoria235689987521
Montreal UVI245799887532
Ottawa UVI245899887532
Toronto UVI245899997532