Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Essex, Canada, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region’s Dfb climate, where long summers can bring intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Notably, the UV Index peaks around midday, reaching up to 10 — indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed on UV levels, residents can enjoy outdoor activities while prioritizing their skin's health and safety.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking ascent in intensity, peaking during the afternoon hours. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index swiftly climbs to reach 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 5, but the real surge occurs between 11:00 and 14:00, hitting a maximum of 10—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index gradually drops, retracting to 4 by 17:00 and further declining to 1 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variations, impacting exposure risk for visitors and residents alike. Low-risk months are observed in January and December (UV Index 2), where the burn time is a generous 45 minutes. As the year progresses, moderate risk months include February, March, October, and November (UV Index 4-5), with shorter burn times of 30 minutes. The high-risk months dominate from April to September, featuring exceptionally elevated UV levels peaking in June and July at an index of 10, with a burn time reduced to just 15 minutes. To minimize skin damage, it is crucial for everyone to take preventative measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—during these higher UV months, especially from late spring through early fall.
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 |
| Essex | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 |