Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Summerside, Canada, especially during the sunny summer months. With its Dfb climate, Summerside experiences significant UV exposure, particularly around midday when levels can soar to an alarming 8. Monitoring UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a critical role in maintaining long-term skin health. As you enjoy the beautiful summer days, be sure to stay informed about the UV Index to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a significant 8. The morning starts gently with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to 2 by 8:00 AM, and hitting 3 by 9:00 AM. The real intensity comes around 11:00 AM, when the index reaches 6, signaling the need for sun protection. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the UV Index remains high at 8, making it crucial to stay shaded and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, sliding down to 7 at 3:00 PM, and further to 5 by 4:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the UV danger diminishes, dropping to 2, and eventually winding down to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Enjoy the sun, but don't forget your protection during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
| Summerside | 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 |