Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Swan River, Canada, where the reflective beauty of our northern landscape can lead to unexpected sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV index can soar up to 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. With Swan River's humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly mitigate risks associated with harmful UV radiation. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index for the day presents an interesting pattern as it steadily climbs from early morning to reach its peak at 1 PM, hitting a notable 8. Starting at a muted 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, the intensity ramps up to 2 by 9 AM. 10 AM marks the first significant increase to 4, and by 11 AM, it rises to 6. The sun’s rays are at their most intense from 12 PM to 2 PM, where the index remains at 7 and 8, respectively. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 6 at 4 PM, and settling down to 2 by 7 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation poses the greatest risk.
| 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 | 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the index reaches its peak at 8 during May, June, and July, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. February and March also present moderate risk, with UV indices of 3 and 4, respectively, encouraging individuals to be mindful of sun exposure. During the winter months, notably January and December, the UV index decreases to 2 and 1, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities with less risk of overexposure.
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 |
| Swan River | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 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 |