Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the breathtaking landscapes of Whistler, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for anyone who loves the outdoors. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe. Whistler's Dfc climate features high UV exposure, particularly during peak hours, with indexes soaring to 9 around midday. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while reveling in the stunning alpine vistas.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 exhibits notable seasonal changes, greatly impacting exposure risk for both residents and visitors. From January to March, the UV levels are relatively low to moderate, with safe burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. As spring progresses into April, the UV index escalates to 7, marking the onset of high exposure risk. The peak months for UV exposure are May through August, where the index reaches a staggering 10 in June, necessitating protective measures due to the very high risk of skin damage, particularly with a burn time as short as 15 minutes. September offers some relief with a high index of 7, but as the year winds down, UV levels decrease significantly, falling to 2 in November and 1 in December. Visitors and residents should therefore prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of April through August, employing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize harmful exposure.
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 |
| Whistler | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 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 |