Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Waterford, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable. With its Dfb climate, Waterford experiences varying UV exposures throughout the day, peaking at a high of 9 from 1 PM to 2 PM. Being aware of these fluctuations can help you take the necessary precautions to maintain healthy skin while soaking up the sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, from 09:00 onwards, the intensity builds, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00—a time when precautions are essential to protect skin from damage. The afternoon hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back down to 1 by 19:00, marking a return to safer levels. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy!
| 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 | 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 |