Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Charlottetown, Canada, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels can be a game changer in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, particularly in a region with a climate classified as Dfb. As summer approaches, peak UV levels can reach an 8 between noon and 2 PM, indicating a heightened risk of sun damage during these hours. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, residents and visitors alike can enjoy Charlottetown’s beautiful sunny days while safeguarding their skin.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a fascinating pattern of sun intensity. Early risers will notice a gentle start at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the index hits 6 at 11:00 AM, escalating to an impressive 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM—the height of solar exposure. After this, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM, and further decreasing to moderate numbers of 5, 3, and 2 as the sun sets, concluding the day with a calm 1 at 7:00 PM. Remember, during the peak hours, sun safety is crucial!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The highest risk months are from April to August, where the UV Index reaches 7 to 10, classified as high to very high, with burn times diminishing to just 15 minutes during this peak period. In contrast, the winter months of January and December exhibit much lower UV levels, categorized as low, allowing for 45 minutes before burning occurs. It is crucial for visitors and residents to be especially vigilant during the high-risk months. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours are strongly advised to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Charlottetown | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |