Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of La Tuque, Canada, where the climate typically falls within the Dfb zone, presenting unique sun exposure challenges. With UV levels peaking at an intensity of 8 during midday hours, awareness of these ratings is crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. As outdoor activities become increasingly popular, recognizing the potential risks associated with UV exposure allows you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects. Stay informed and enjoy the beauty of La Tuque responsibly!
From 07:00 to 19:00, the UV Index showcases a typical daily pattern, starting at a mild 1 and gradually climbing to a peak of 8 between 12:00 and 13:00. This midday surge indicates an elevated risk for sun exposure, with precautions strongly advised. As the sun begins to descend, the index gracefully tapers off, dropping back to 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer levels. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan their sun safety strategies around the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00, when UV radiation is most intense.
| 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 | 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 |
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 |