Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hay River, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and maintaining overall skin health. With a Dfc climate that features long summer days, residents and visitors can face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. During peak hours, especially from 12 PM to 3 PM when the UV Index can reach as high as 6, it’s vital to take protective measures. Stay informed and keep your skin safe under the sun with our comprehensive guide to the UV Index in Hay River!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise in sun intensity, starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches a peak UV index of 6 between the hours of 13:00 and 15:00, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 16:00, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 5 and then falling steadily to 2 by 18:00 and 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the peak hours when the UV rays are most potent, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day in the sun!
| 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months identified as May through August, when the index consistently reaches 6, categorizing exposure as high and reducing safe burn time to 25 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December demonstrate a low risk with an index of 1 and a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. In the lower UV months, while the risk remains minimal, it's still advisable to practice sun safety for prolonged exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay River | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 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 |