Last updated: May 3, 2025
In St. Catharines, Canada, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's Dfb climate, residents may not always anticipate high UV levels, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to 9 around midday. Understanding these UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As you enjoy the beautiful summer days, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure safe sun practices and enjoy the outdoors confidently!
At 07:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. As the sun rises higher, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches 3 at 09:00. The intensity really kicks in at 10:00, jumping to 5, and soars to its peak of 9 by 13:00. This high exposure continues through 14:00, making midday the most crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips to 7 at 15:00, then continues to decline to 5 at 16:00 and settles back to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief with a return to 2 by 18:00 and finally drops to 1 at 19:00. Make sure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
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 |
| St. Catharines | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |