Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Fort McPherson, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during those peak hours of exposure. Fort McPherson, located in a Dfc climate zone, experiences fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, with midday peaks reaching up to 5. This presents a notable risk for residents and visitors alike. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern of increasing intensity. From 07:00 to 09:00, the index remains consistently low at 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun rises higher, it gradually climbs, reaching levels of 3 at 11:00 and 12:00. The peak occurs between 13:00 and 16:00, with an elevated UV Index of 5, signaling a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, as the afternoon wanes, a gentle decline occurs, dropping back to 4 by 17:00 and settling at 3 by the evening. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when the UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reflect a notable variation in sun exposure. January to February and October to December witness low UV Index levels (1) with a burn time of 45 minutes, making sun protection less critical. However, as March approaches, the UV Index rises to 2, still within the low category, but caution should be exercised. The high-risk months are predominantly from April to September, where the UV Index peaks at 5 during June and July, categorizing as moderate; individuals should limit sun exposure to 30 minutes during these times. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate sun safety measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially in the warmer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort McPherson | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |