Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Winnipeg, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring long-term skin health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburns and minimize the risk of skin damage, especially during the peak sunshine hours when the UV Index can soar as high as 9 around midday. The city's Dfb climate combines cold winters with warm summers, raising the importance of UV awareness during the sunnier months. With varying UV exposure throughout the day, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the outdoors safely.
A beautiful day unfolds as the UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning and peaks during the afternoon. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The intensity increases further, reaching a noticeable 5 at 10:00 and hitting a striking 6 at 11:00. Just after midday, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, signaling the importance of protective measures. As the sun starts to descend, values ease back to 8 at 15:00, before gradually dropping to 4 at 17:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. This progression emphasizes the need for awareness and protection from UV rays, especially during the midday heat.
| 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with peak levels occurring from April to September. During these months, particularly in May, June, July, and August, the UV Index reaches very high levels (8-9), indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Notably, April also marks the beginning of the high-risk season with a UV Index of 7. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while also seeking shade during peak sun hours. The winter months (January, November, December) present a much lower risk, with UV Index levels typically in the low category (1-2), allowing for more relaxed sun safety measures.
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 |
| Winnipeg | 2 | 4 | 5 | 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 |