Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Inuvik, Canada, where the unique climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure, even in colder months. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for protecting long-term skin health. With peak UV values reaching up to 5 during midday hours, it's important to be mindful of the sun's intensity, especially in the context of Inuvik's Dfc climate, which can offer unexpected opportunities for outdoor activities. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful northern landscapes while safeguarding your skin from UV damage.
The UV Index starts off quite low in the early morning hours, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities with minimal sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index gradually rises, peaking at 5 between 14:00 and 15:00. This is the ideal time for sun protection measures, as even a few minutes unprotected can lead to skin damage. Following this peak, the index dips back to 4 by 16:00, and eventually settles at 2 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer levels as the sun sets. Always remember to be mindful of the UV Index to enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inuvik | 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 |