Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Catalina, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. With a Dfb climate that can bring variable sunlight exposure, it’s important to recognize the peak UV times in our region—especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index reaches its highest at 8. Stay informed, take precautions, and enjoy the outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking around 12:00 PM with a formidable score of 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning starts off low, with 1 at 07:00 AM, but by 10:00 AM, it escalates to 6, urging early sun-seekers to apply sunscreen. The peak hours, spanning between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, warrant extra caution, as the index remains elevated at 7 and 8, respectively. Following this midday intensity, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by evening. Enjoy the sun responsibly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reflect a gradual increase in the UV Index, peaking during the summer months. Notably, high-risk months include May, June, and July, when the UV Index reaches the very high category, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during this period by adopting protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield themselves from harmful UV radiation. In contrast, the winter months (January, November, and December) exhibit a low UV Index, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 45 minutes without significant risk. Regardless of the month, it's essential to stay informed and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to ensure safety from sun exposure year-round.
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 |
| Catalina | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |