Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Winnipeg, Canada, especially as the summer months can bring increased sun exposure. With typical UV levels peaking around noon, reaching as high as 8, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Winnipeg's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers, requires residents to stay vigilant against UV rays that can cause skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking at a modest 1 by 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity grows, reaching 2 by 08:00 and hitting 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, the index escalates to 4, signaling an increase in UV exposure. The most intense rays strike between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index hits a maximum of 8, urging sun safety precautions. After the midday peak, the UV levels gradually decline, settling at 7 by 14:00 and tapering off to 5 by 16:00. In the late afternoon, the index decreases to 3 at 17:00, then returns to a low of 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a day characterized by fluctuating UV exposure. Remember to stay protected 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |