Last updated: August 1, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of Cranberry Portage, Canada, particularly in the picturesque Dfc climate zone, where long summer days can lead to elevated UV exposure. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin's health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 7 between 1 PM and 3 PM. With UV rays more intense during the summer months, being aware of these values can empower you to enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and remaining low for the next few hours. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, encouraging early risers to enjoy the outdoors. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index reaches 3, signaling a moderate increase in UV exposure. The peak hour arrives at 12:00, where the index soars to 6, and it continues to hold a robust 7 from 13:00 to 15:00. This peak signifies the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially for those who are outside. As the day winds down, the UV intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 4 by 17:00, and easing to a gentle 2 by 19:00. For safety, it’s crucial to protect your skin during the midday sun when the UV Index reaches its maximum.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, impacting both residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, starting in March, UV levels begin to rise significantly, peaking in June with a very high index of 8, where the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. High-risk months are identified as April, May, June, July, August, and September, where UV exposure is categorized as high to very high, necessitating increased protective measures. As such, during these months, it is essential to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during peak sun hours. By October, UV levels drop back to a moderate category (index 3), and by November and December, they return to low levels (1-2), allowing for safer outdoor enjoyment throughout the winter months. Always stay informed and protect your skin accordingly!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Portage | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |