Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Iqaluit, Canada, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the unique ET climate characterized by its cold temperatures and prolonged winter months, residents may underestimate the sun's intensity during the summer, when UV levels can reach a moderate 5 around midday. Awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention, especially as exposure increases during outdoor activities. By staying informed about the UV Index, Iqaluit's residents can enjoy the summer sun safely while reducing long-term risks to skin health.
As the day dawns, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 07:00, making it a good time for a morning stroll. By 09:00, it rises to 3, indicating a little more sun exposure. The sun’s intensity peaks between 11:00 and 14:00, reaching 5, a clear signal to grab those sunglasses and apply sunscreen! After this high, it gently declines to 4 at 15:00 and gradually tapers off to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s essential to stay cautious during midday when UV levels are at their highest, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking in the warmer months. From January to February, the index remains low (1), with a burn time of 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk of harm from sun exposure. As March approaches, the index rises to 3 (moderate), with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The UV Index peaks in May and June at 6 (high), marking the highest risk months where burn time decreases to just 25 minutes. In July and August, the index slightly declines but remains in the moderate category (5 and 4), giving a burn time of 30 minutes. As fall sets in, the index decreases again to 3 in September and further to 2 in October, returning to a low level by November and December (1). Visitors and residents should remain particularly cautious from May to July, ensuring to take protective measures like wearing sunscreen and seeking shade during peak sun hours to avoid skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iqaluit | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 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 |