Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Essex, Canada is crucial for everyone who enjoys the outdoors, as it provides essential information about the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. With outdoor activities common in our charming climate, especially during the sunnier months, being aware of UV levels can prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health. Essex, part of the Dfb climate zone, experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM when values can soar to 10—a level that significantly increases the potential for skin damage. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index on this particular day showcases a notable rise and fall throughout the hours, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. Beginning early, from 07:00 to 08:00, the index remains low at a comfortable level of 1. However, as the day progresses, we see a significant climb peaking at 13:00 with a striking 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The 12:00 to 14:00 window is particularly intense, with readings of 8 and 9, reminding us to take precautions like seeking shade and applying sunscreen. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to drop, tapering off to 6 by 16:00, and further declining to a gentler 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the need for vigilance during midday hours, when UV rays are at their most formidable.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 |