Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Williams Lake, Canada, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense during the summer months. With typical UV levels peaking at 8 around midday, being aware of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. Williams Lake’s Dfb climate means that while winters can be harsh, summers bring clear skies and increased UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery safely!
As the sun rises at 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. The intensity continues to increase, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM and reaching 5 at 10:00 AM. The peak of the day arrives at 12:00 PM with a solid 7, before soaring to a high point of 8 by 1:00 PM and remaining there until 2:00 PM. The UV Index then begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, 5 by 4:00 PM, and further falling to 3 at 5:00 PM. As daylight fades, the index softens to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. Staying protected from the sun is important as the midday hours present the highest UV 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 | 5 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, impacting skin exposure risk. The highest risk months occur from May to August, when the UV index reaches between 7 and 8, categorized as high to very high, with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. Conversely, during the winter months, from December to February, the UV index remains low to moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes in January and November. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during the summer months, using sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Williams Lake | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 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 |