Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cap-Sante, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As the sun's rays can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage, understanding UV levels helps you make informed choices about sun exposure. Given Cap-Sante's Dfb climate, characterized by warm summers and varying UV risks, it's crucial to stay vigilant. During peak hours, such as noon to 1 PM, the UV Index can soar to 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Equip yourself with knowledge and enjoy the outdoors safely!
Starting early in the morning, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually rising through the hours. By 09:00, it reaches 4, marking the onset of stronger sunlight. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, with a robust 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From there, it starts to gradually decline, dipping to 6 by 15:00 and falling further to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index decreases significantly, dropping back to 1 by 18:00 and maintaining that lower level until evening. This day’s UV trends serve as a reminder to protect your skin during peak hours, especially when the index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, highlighting the need for awareness among visitors and residents. January and December register the lowest levels of UV exposure (Index 2), categorized as low, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. As the seasons change, February and March see a slight increase, reaching a moderate exposure category (Index 3 and 5) with 30 minutes burn time. The risk escalates sharply from April to August, with a peak in May and June at a very high level (Index 9) and a minimal burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain similar intensity before gradually tapering off in September with high risk (Index 7) and 25 minutes burn time. By October to November, conditions return to moderate, signaling a gradual decrease in UV exposure. Therefore, it’s crucial for everyone to protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when the UV Index is at its highest.
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 |
| Cap-Sante | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 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 |