Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Selkirk, Canada, where the climate presents unique exposure risks. With the potential for high UV levels, particularly between late morning and early afternoon, being aware of these daily fluctuations is key to sunburn prevention and overall skin health. In Selkirk's Dfb climate zone, where sunny days can lead to elevated UV exposure, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference in protecting your skin. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals an interesting pattern of sun exposure. Early risers will find a gentle start at 1 by 07:00, slowly increasing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, it peaks at 9 during the afternoon's warmest hours, specifically 13:00. The intensity then tapers off, with values decreasing to 6 by 16:00 and dropping further to 1 by 19:00. Notably, the high point occurs at 12:00, reaching a robust 8—ideal for sun lovers, but a friendly reminder to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes that affect sun safety for both residents and visitors. The highest risk months are typically from June to August, when UV Index values peak at 9 in June and remain at 8 in July and August, categorizing these months as having very high exposure risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. Conversely, January, November, and December feature low UV levels (UV Index 1-2), granting a longer burn time of 45 minutes. As the season transitions into spring, UV levels increase from moderate in February and March to high from April and May, where a burn time drops to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Selkirk | 2 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 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 |