Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Yellowknife, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health, especially given the region's unique climate. With long summer days and varied sun exposure, understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage. Yellowknife's Dfc climate features cool summers and significant UV exposure during peak hours, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day. Keep track of the UV Index to enjoy the vibrant outdoors safely and protect your skin all year round!
The UV Index steadily rises throughout the morning, peaking at 6 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates to 4 by 10:00 AM, prompting advisable sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity remains at its peak until 3:00 PM before tapering down to 4 at 5:00 PM and gradually descending to 2 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to prioritize sun protection during those midday hours to enjoy the day safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |