Last updated: August 1, 2025
Inuvik, Canada, nestled within the unique Dfc climate zone, experiences varying levels of UV radiation that warrant our attention. Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. As temperatures rise and daylight extends, awareness of UV levels can help you protect yourself from potential skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index climbs to 5. With the arctic sun shining brightly during summer months, knowing how to navigate UV exposure risks in this remarkable northern town is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity increases to 2, marking the beginning of the midday uptick. At noon, it hits 3, and the UV Index peaks at 5 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, making this the most hazardous time for sun exposure. After this peak, the UV levels gradually decline, returning to 4 by 4:00 PM and settling back to 3 by 6:00 PM. It's crucial to be cautious during the high-UV hours and protect your skin to enjoy the day safely!
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |