Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Altona, Canada, especially during the summer months when sun exposure risks are heightened. With the region's Dfb climate, the sunny days can often lead to higher UV levels, increasing the chances of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Being aware of the UV Index not only helps in preventing immediate skin damage but also plays a vital role in protecting against more serious concerns like skin cancer. Notably, in Altona, UV levels peak at midday, reaching a maximum of 8 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. By staying informed about these fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, as the day progresses, intensity increases dramatically. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, and by 11:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak comes at 1:00 PM where the UV Index hits a high of 8, remaining intense until 2:00 PM. Afterward, it gradually declines to 5 by 4:00 PM, and further drops to 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep an eye on the UV levels to enjoy the sun safely throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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, indicating varying levels of risk for skin damage due to sun exposure. The high-risk months typically occur from April to August, where UV Index values range from 7 to 9, categorized as high to very high, with the potential for sunburn occurring in as little as 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December present low UV levels (Index 2), while February, March, and October fall into the moderate category (Index 4-5). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high UV periods by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during the peak hours of sunlight.
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 |
| Altona | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |