Last updated: July 2, 2025
As residents of North Bay, Canada, it's crucial to stay informed about the UV Index, especially given our climate’s unique characteristics. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With typical UV exposure peaking between noon and 2 PM, residents should be particularly cautious during these hours when values can reach as high as 9. The subtropical highland climate ensures that North Bay enjoys plenty of sunshine, making it essential to be aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. Stay proactive and protect your skin by checking the UV Index daily!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, perfect for those early morning strolls. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The UV rays become more prominent by 09:00, reaching a 3, and then escalate significantly as the day progresses. At 10:00, the index spikes to 5, and by 11:00 it reaches 6, indicating a real need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index hits a striking 8, followed closely by a 9 at 13:00, marking the most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls in, from 14:00 onwards, the UV levels start to wane, settling at 8 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. The evening approaches with a decrescendo; the index drops to 5 at 16:00, tailing off to 4 by 17:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, awareness and protection make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the summer months of May through August. During this period, the UV Index reaches a peak of 9, classified as very high, with a minimal burn time of just 15 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index is at its lowest in January and December at 2, indicating a low risk of harm from sun exposure, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. April and September mark transitional months where the UV Index is high at 7, prompting caution with a burn time of 25 minutes. To protect against harmful UV radiation, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions, particularly from May to August, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| North Bay | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |