Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Yellowknife, Canada, where the unique Dfc climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. As the sun’s rays can be strongest during summer months, being aware of the UV levels helps in preventing sunburns and protecting skin health. With the UV Index peaking at 6 between noon and 2 PM, it’s crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to monitor these fluctuations to enjoy the beautiful landscapes while safeguarding themselves against potential skin damage. By staying informed about UV risks, you can make wiser choices about sun protection, ensuring your time in Yellowknife is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the sun's rays gradually build in strength. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, and by 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3. The real peak comes at noon, hitting 5, and then soaring to a maximum of 6 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—perfect for sunbathing but a reminder to protect your skin! As the afternoon continues, it sees a gentle decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index sinks back to 3 at 5:00 PM and further to 2 by 6:00 PM, before resting again at 2 for the evening hours. Remember to take care of your skin, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Seasonal variations in UV Index indicate a notable increase from the low levels in January and February (UV Index 1) to more hazardous levels in June and July (UV Index 6), where the burn time decreases to just 25 minutes. The UV Index reaches moderate levels in March through May (UV Index 3-5) and dips back to low levels from October to December. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly June and July, when direct sunlight can cause skin damage within 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowknife | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 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 |