Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Thompson, Canada, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides a measure of the sun's intensity, allowing residents to take proactive steps against sunburns and long-term skin damage. With Thompson's Dfc climate, which features cold winters and brief, yet sunny summers, awareness of U.V. levels is especially important. During peak hours, like between 12 PM and 2 PM, the U.V. Index can reach as high as 8, indicating that protective measures—like sunscreen and clothing—are essential to reduce exposure risks. Stay informed and enjoy the sunny days safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, and as the morning progresses, it reaches 3 by 09:00. The real surge occurs around 10:00, hitting 4 and continuing to climb to a peak of 8 at 13:00. The intensity slightly dips to 7 from 14:00 to 15:00, before gradually descending in the late afternoon: 5 at 16:00, 4 at 17:00, and eventually settling back to 2 by 18:00. As night draws near, the UV Index trends down to a calming 1 at 19:00, reminding us to take care under the midday sun and protect our skin during those high UV 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months typically occurring from May to August. In June, the UV Index peaks at 8, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time reduced to just 15 minutes. Conversely, from January to February and again in November to December, the UV Index remains low (1-2), allowing for longer exposure times (up to 45 minutes) without significant risk. As such, for residents and visitors, it is strongly advised to take protective measures during the high UV months, particularly from May to July, which includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. During the winter months, while the risk is lower, it's still wise to remain cautious as UV rays can still cause skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 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 |