Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index is crucial in Oxford, Canada, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching up to 9 during the height of summer, residents and visitors should be vigilant, especially in the vibrant Dfb climate that brings warm sunny days. Proper awareness and precautions can help protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, perfect for those early morning strolls. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The UV rays become more prominent by 09:00, reaching a 3, and then escalate significantly as the day progresses. At 10:00, the index spikes to 5, and by 11:00 it reaches 6, indicating a real need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index hits a striking 8, followed closely by a 9 at 13:00, marking the most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls in, from 14:00 onwards, the UV levels start to wane, settling at 8 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. The evening approaches with a decrescendo; the index drops to 5 at 16:00, tailing off to 4 by 17:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, awareness and protection make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors 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 | 5 | 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, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, influencing both visitor and resident safety. January and December boast a low UV Index of 2, allowing for extended exposure times of 45 minutes without significant risk. However, as we move into spring with February and March, the UV Index rises to 4 and 5 respectively, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of just 30 minutes. The high-risk months arrive in April through August, with peak values of 9 and 10 during May and June, categorizing the exposure as very high and shortening safe sun exposure to as little as 15 minutes. September sees a slight decrease to a high index of 7, while October and November return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the higher UV months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen regularly to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Oxford | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |