Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in St. John's, Canada is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. This metric provides valuable insight into the sun's intensity, helping residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In a region characterized by its Dfb climate, St. John's experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, with peaks reaching as high as 8 around noon. By staying informed about the UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful, sunlit days while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
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, UV exposure significantly fluctuates, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 10 in June, indicating extremely high exposure levels and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, particularly in May, June, and July, when UV readings are in the very high category. To protect against skin damage, it's advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. The UV Index decreases in late summer and fall, dropping to moderate levels in October and returning to low in the colder months, from January to March and again in November and December, allowing for more prolonged outdoor activities with reduced risk.
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 |
St. John's | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 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 |