Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in St. Catharines, Canada, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With peak levels reaching a significant 10 during the summer months, awareness of UV exposure can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. St. Catharines, situated in a Dfb climate zone, experiences strong sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV radiation is at its highest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing their risk of skin-related issues. Stay informed and enjoy the sunny days with confidence!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, beginning at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 3, prompting early risers to consider sun protection. The intensity peaks at 1:00 PM with a maximum of 10, signaling the most hazardous conditions for unprotected skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips from 9 at 2:00 PM to 6 by 4:00 PM, offering a brief respite. As the day winds down, the UV rays decrease, falling to 2 by 6:00 PM and returning to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay mindful of these fluctuations to enjoy the sun while safeguarding your skin!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |