Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zephyr, Canada, where the sun can pose significant risks to skin health. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage, especially during peak hours. With a Dfb climate, Zephyr experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, with indices peaking at a striking 9 from 1 PM to 2 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin and overall health.
The UV Index today shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking in the midday sun. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to reach 8 by 12:00, just before the sun reaches its zenith. The intensity spikes to its highest point of 9 at 13:00, remaining high until 14:00, when it begins to taper off. By 15:00, it drops to 7, continuing its downward trend to 4 by 17:00, and then easing back to the safer 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect yourself during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun’s rays are 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 | 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 | 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, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation, with peak values during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index gradually increases from a low level of 2, with a burn time of 45 minutes, to a moderate level of 4 in February, reducing the burn time to 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March reaches a high level of 6, offering a burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months of April through August experience very high UV Index levels, peaking at 9 and necessitating caution with only a 15-minute burn time. September sees a decrease to a high UV level of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes, while October and November return to moderate levels of 5 and 3, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times. By December, the UV Index falls back to a low level of 2, increasing the burn time to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the summer months (April to August), applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to protect against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Zephyr | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |