Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Portage la Prairie, Canada, where the climate can intensify sun exposure, particularly in the summer months. The UV Index provides crucial information about ultraviolet radiation levels, helping you make informed decisions to protect your skin from harmful effects, like sunburn and long-term damage. In Portage la Prairie, with its Dfb climate zone, typical UV exposure risks peak during midday hours, where indices can soar as high as 9, prompting the need for effective sun safety practices. By staying aware of UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin health.
The UV Index today follows a dynamic rise and fall, showcasing its intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently at 1 at 07:00, the sun’s rays gradually increase, reaching 2 by 08:00. As we approach midday, the index spikes, peaking at a robust 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, making these hours the most critical for sun safety. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, sliding down to 6 at 16:00, and tapering off to a more forgiving 2 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power, urging everyone to take necessary precautions during those peak hours, especially from 12:00 to 14:00!
| 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with marked increases during the warmer months. The highest risk months for UV radiation are from April to August, when the UV Index reaches very high levels of 7 to 9, resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. In contrast, January, November, and December present low UV exposure, making outdoor activities less risky. It’s essential to stay informed and adjust sun protection measures according to the seasonal UV Index changes to ensure skin health year-round.
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 |
| Portage la Prairie | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 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 |