Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Waterford, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the index soars to a remarkable 9. With a humid continental climate typical for the region, residents face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, particularly during the sunniest hours from 11 AM to 3 PM. Knowing this information empowers you to make safer outdoor choices and enjoy all that beautiful Waterford has to offer while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard 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 | 9 | 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 shows significant seasonal variations that influence sun exposure risks for both visitors and residents. From January to March, the index starts low at 2 but rises to 5 by March, indicating moderate exposure risks with burn times decreasing from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. The spring and summer months, particularly April to August, present the highest risks, with UV Index values soaring to 9 and 10 during the peak months of May and June. Here, the burn time drops dramatically to just 15 minutes, categorizing these months as very high risk. September sees a slight decrease to 7 (high exposure) while October and November return to moderate levels with indices of 5 and 4. As winter arrives in December, the UV Index falls to 2, marking a return to low exposure risks. It's crucial for everyone to be aware of these fluctuations: during high-risk months, especially from April to August, it is advisable to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Waterford | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 |