Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sarnia, Canada, particularly in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can increase significantly during the summer months in Sarnia's humid continental climate (Dfb). With peak UV levels reaching up to 10 during midday, awareness of these risks is essential for enjoying the sunny days while minimizing skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, Sarnia residents can take proactive measures to shield themselves and their loved ones from harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index for today showcases a dynamic range of intensity, peaking at 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM. As the sun rises, 07:00 greets us with a gentle 1, escalating to a moderate 3 by 09:00. By mid-morning, the heat intensifies, climbing to 5 at 10:00 and hitting a significant 7 at 11:00. The critical hours arrive at noon, where we reach 9, ultimately culminating in the afternoon peak of 10 at 13:00 and 14:00. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually recedes, dropping to 7 at 16:00, and winding down to 3 by 18:00 and settling back to a safe 1 by 19:00. It’s essential to stay protected during the peak hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences noticeable fluctuations, impacting the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. High-risk months are primarily from April to August, where the UV Index reaches very high levels of 8 to 10, necessitating caution with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the UV levels are much lower from January to March and again from November to December, characterized by low to moderate exposure with burn times extending up to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should be particularly mindful during the peak summer months, ensuring adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and clothing, and seeking shade during the day to minimize the risk of skin damage. Remember, smarter sun habits can help you enjoy the outdoors safely!
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 |
| Sarnia | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |