Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chatham, Canada is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching up to 10 during midday, awareness of UV exposure can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage. Chatham's Dfb climate brings varied temperatures and weather patterns, which can contribute to fluctuating UV levels throughout the year. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily throughout the morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge occurs between 10:00 and 14:00, when it peaks at a remarkable 10. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After 14:00, the intensity begins to wane, dipping to 8 at 15:00 and gradually decreasing to 3 by 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls back to a safe 1 by 19:00, reminding us of the importance of sun protection during those peak hours. Stay vigilant and protect yourself when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal variations in the UV Index highlight key months for sun safety. January and December present low exposure levels with UV Index values of 2, allowing for safe, extended outdoor activities; however, February and March see a rise to a moderate index of 5, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The critical period for high UV exposure occurs from April to August, marked by a very high index ranging from 8 to 10, where even brief sun exposure (as little as 15 minutes) can lead to skin damage. September declines to an 8, then drops to 6 in October, transitioning to high and moderate levels in the fall and winter months, respectively. November returns to a moderate index of 4. Visitors and residents are advised to practice sun safety with protective gear and sunblock, particularly during the high-risk months of April through August, to minimize UV-related health risks.
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 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Chatham | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |