Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Lincoln, Canada, especially as summer approaches and outdoor activities increase. The UV levels reflect the intensity of sun exposure, informing us about potential risks like sunburn and long-term skin health issues. In Lincoln's humid continental climate (Dfb), UV radiation can be particularly strong during peak hours, with indices reaching as high as 8 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can better protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This midday surge signals the strongest sun exposure, making it essential to take precautions if you plan to spend time outdoors. After this peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and easing back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a retreat of the sun's intensity. Remember, during those high hours, keeping your skin safe is key!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting exposure risks for residents and visitors. January and December feature low UV indexes (2), allowing for extended safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes. By February and March, the UV index rises to moderate levels (3 and 5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The transition to April sees a notable increase to a high UV index of 7, further shortening safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure occur from May to August, where the index reaches very high levels (8 and 9), drastically limiting safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. September marks a slight decline with a high index of 7, while October and November revert to moderate levels (5 and 3) with 30 minutes of safe exposure. To safeguard against harmful UV rays, it is crucial for individuals to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Lincoln | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |