Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the breathtaking landscape of La Tuque, Canada, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly during the sun's peak hours when exposure can lead to severe consequences. With La Tuque's Dfb climate zone, residents and visitors alike face unique UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months when the UV Index can soar to 8 around midday. Staying informed empowers you to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling a need for some sun precautions. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, hitting a high of 8—the perfect time to grab your sunscreen and protective gear. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 15:00, it drops to 6, and further down to 3 by 17:00, allowing for a more comfortable evening. As twilight approaches, the index settles back to 2 at 18:00 and then tapering to 1 by 19:00, marking a gentle end to the sun's powerful rays for the day. Enjoy the sunny moments while staying safe!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. From January to February, the UV levels are relatively low, ranging from 2 to 3, allowing for longer exposure times without risk of sunburn (up to 45 minutes in January). However, March marks the beginning of higher UV exposure, peaking in the summer months of May, June, July, and August, where the index consistently reaches 8 to 9, indicating a very high risk level and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. The fall months of September and October see a decrease in UV levels, though caution is still advised with indices of 6 and 5, respectively. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from April to August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours 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 |
| La Tuque | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 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 |