Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Brandon, Canada, is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As residents of a climate zone characterized by cold winters and warm summers, it's essential to stay informed about daily UV levels to help prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With peak UV Index values reaching up to 9 during the summer months, even brief exposure can increase the risk of skin damage. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely, ensuring that your time in the sun contributes to well-being, not harm.
The UV Index throughout the day rises and falls dramatically, reflecting the sun's intensity. Starting the morning at a gentle 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually increases to 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels surge, peaking at a strong 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, settling at 6 by 16:00 and diminishing further to a safer 2 by 19:00. This data underlines the importance of seeking shade and applying sunscreen during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels typically occurring during the summer months of May to August. These months are classified as high-risk, with the UV Index peaking at 9, indicating a very high exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index decreases, with January and December presenting the lowest levels of 2 and 1 respectively, both in the low exposure category where burn times extend to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months, especially from April to August; it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 |
| Brandon | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 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 |