Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Golden, Canada, where the unique Dfb climate presents varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 8 in the early afternoon, it’s essential to take precautions during those hours to shield yourself from potential harm. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or skiing on nearby slopes, being informed about UV risks is key to enjoying Golden’s stunning landscapes safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a stark rise in solar intensity as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a noteworthy 8 by 13:00, signaling the need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity remains high at 8 until 14:00, after which it begins to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and falling further to 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of safeguarding your skin, especially during the midday hours when the UV levels are most hazardous. Remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit a distinct seasonal pattern, with significant increases during the warmer months. January and December experience low UV levels (Index 1-2) with a burn time of 45 minutes, making sun protection less critical. As we enter February and March, the UV Index rises to moderate levels (3-5), and exposure times decrease to 30 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April to August, where the UV Index peaks at 8, indicating very high risk, with burn times reduced to just 15 minutes in June and July. August sees a slight decline to high levels (Index 7) but still requires vigilance. September and October return to moderate to high levels (Index 4-6) with burn times of 25-30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate precautions, especially during April through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to minimize skin damage and health risks associated with high UV exposure.
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 |
| Golden | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 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 |