Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ottawa, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As one of the most sunlit cities in Canada, understanding UV levels can significantly help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin-related issues. With a Dfb climate, Ottawa often faces fluctuating weather patterns that can impact UV exposure, especially during the warmer months. The UV Index peaks in the afternoon, reaching levels as high as 9—a reminder to take protective measures when enjoying outdoor activities. Embrace the sunshine while prioritizing your skin's health by staying aware of the UV Index!
The UV Index throughout the day tells a compelling story of sun exposure. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. As the clock ticks towards mid-morning, the intensity ramps up, peaking at 9 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the perfect time for a shaded respite or sunscreen application. By 11:00 AM, the index hits 7, signaling more significant sun intensity. As the afternoon wanes, it starts to dip, falling to 3 by 5:00 PM, and eventually returning to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during those peak hours, to ensure a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting notable seasonal changes in sun exposure. From January to March, UV levels remain relatively low to moderate, with a maximum index of 5 in March, granting burn times of up to 45 minutes. However, by April, the UV Index spikes to 8, marking the beginning of high-risk months that persist through August, where it reaches a peak of 9. During these critical summer months, burn times drastically shorten to just 15 minutes. As fall approaches in September, the index decreases to 7 but remains a significant high-risk month, with burn time extending to 25 minutes. Moving into winter, both November and December see a return to moderate UV levels, with indices of 3 and 2 respectively, allowing for burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions from April to August, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks of overexposure.
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 | 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 |