Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of La Pocatière, Canada, where the climate classified as Dfb can bring unexpected sun exposure. As UV levels can soar to a peak of 9 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With typical UV risks peaking during the summer months, it’s important to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors in this vibrant community.
The UV Index peaks significantly throughout the day, starting with a low 1 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm, which escalates sharply to a high of 9 between 12:00 and 13:00. This substantial index signifies that precautions are necessary, especially with the sun at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 5 by 16:00, and further tapering off to a mere 1 by 19:00. For those outdoors, staying protected during the peak hours is critical for skin health!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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, UV Index levels vary significantly, indicating seasonal changes in sun exposure risks. January to March experiences lower UV levels with indexes ranging from 2 to 5, categorized from low to moderate exposure, allowing for relatively safer outdoor activities with burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. In contrast, April to August marks a critical period where UV levels peak, particularly from May to July, where indexes reach 8 and 9, denoting very high exposure risks and drastically reduced burn times of only 15 minutes. September sees a decrease with an index of 6, while October and November return to moderate levels. Therefore, for high-risk months (April to August), visitors and residents should exercise caution by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risks of skin damage from increased UV radiation.
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 |
| La Pocatiere | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |