UV Index in Fort Smith, Canada

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Fort Smith, Canada, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With annual fluctuations in UV exposure, being aware of the UV levels can help residents prevent sunburn and mitigate long-term skin damage. The climate in Fort Smith, categorized as Dfc, features cold winters but pleasant summers, which can lead to unexpected peaks in UV radiation during sunny days. Knowing when the UV Index rises—especially around midday when it can reach 6—is crucial for everyone, empowering you to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.

Hourly UV Index in Fort Smith

At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent with a mild 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it gains intensity, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 15:00, indicating a significant risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day continues with a gradual decline, slipping back to 5 at 16:00, and then easing down to a gentle 1 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun protection during midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest. Remember, when the sun is shining bright, stay safe and shield yourself!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	3	moderate	30 min
11:00	4	moderate	30 min
12:00	5	moderate	30 min
13:00	6	high	25 min
14:00	6	high	25 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Fort Smith

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months occurring from June to August, where the index remains consistently at 6, indicating a high exposure category with a burn time of only 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months (January, November, and December) present a low risk, with a UV Index of 1 and a generous burn time of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, while enjoying safer sun exposure during the cooler months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Fort Smith, Canada

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Fort Smith. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Fort Smith, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Fort Smith UV Index with Other Canada Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Fort Smith compares to other major locations across Canada. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Fort Smith's solar exposure compared to other cities in Canada. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fort Smith	1	2	3	4	5	6	6	6	4	2	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