Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Aklavik, Canada is crucial for protecting your skin and health, especially under the unique conditions of this northern climate. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, which can occur even on seemingly mild days. Aklavik, characterized by its Dfc climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, reaching higher levels around midday. Familiarizing yourself with these fluctuations can empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation.
The UV Index today begins its ascent in the early hours, starting at a mild 1 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 10:00 AM and peaking at 5 around 3:00 PM. This midday surge signals the strongest sun exposure, with values of 3 at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and a peak of 4 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the day progresses into the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index gradually tapers back down to 3 by 6:00 PM and concludes at 3 for the final hour of the day at 7:00 PM. With such a dynamic range, it’s vital to stay protected under the midday sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that UV exposure is generally low during the winter months (January through March), with an index of 1 and a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching moderate levels (3 to 5) from April through August, with the highest risk months in June and July, where the index peaks at 5 and the burn time shortens to 30 minutes. September sees a slight decline, but the index remains moderate. By late fall and winter (October through December), UV levels drop back to low, allowing for safer sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be especially cautious during the summer months when UV exposure is most intense; sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting time in direct sunlight are highly recommended to mitigate the risks of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aklavik | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 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 |