Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Middleton, Canada, as it helps you gauge your exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and take appropriate precautions for skin health and sunburn prevention. With a Dfb climate that experiences varying sunlight intensity, especially during the warm months, knowing the daily UV levels can empower you to protect your skin effectively. On sunny days, the UV index can peak at 9 in the afternoon, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about these levels is vital to enjoying the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a fascinating glimpse into solar intensity. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it steadily climbs, peaking at an intense 9 by 1:00 PM—the prime time for sun exposure. As the sun reaches its zenith, protective measures become essential, especially between 11:00 and 1:00 when the index hits 6 and 9 respectively. Following this peak, the index gracefully descends; it drops to a moderate 5 by 4:00 PM and continues to decline until it returns to a low 1 by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about sun safety during midday hours, ensuring skin protection against the rays when they are their most potent!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun safety. From January to March, the UV index remains relatively low to moderate, with February showing a slight increase, prompting caution. April through August marks the high-risk months, where the UV index peaks at 10 in June, indicating a very high exposure risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In September, the risk decreases slightly to high, while in October and November, it returns to moderate levels. During the winter months of December and January, UV exposure is minimal. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Middleton | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |