Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Laurentides, Canada, where the exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can vary significantly throughout the day. With a climate zone classified as Dfb, the region experiences bright sunny days, especially during the summer months, making it essential to stay informed about UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Throughout the day, the UV Index peaks around midday, reaching levels as high as 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can take proactive measures to safeguard yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoor adventures that Laurentides has to offer!
The UV Index today presents a notable climb as the sun ascends, peaking at 9 around noon and early afternoon, signaling very high sun exposure risk. Starting gently at 1 by 7 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 6 by 10 AM and then surging to its maximum of 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Early afternoon brings a slight decline to 8 at 2 PM, followed by a gradual decrease through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this trajectory, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, ensuring skin protection against harmful UV rays. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting exposure risks for residents and visitors. January and December feature low UV indexes (2), allowing for extended safe exposure times of up to 45 minutes. By February and March, the UV index rises to moderate levels (3 and 5), reducing burn time to 30 minutes. The transition to April sees a notable increase to a high UV index of 7, further shortening safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure occur from May to August, where the index reaches very high levels (8 and 9), drastically limiting safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. September marks a slight decline with a high index of 7, while October and November revert to moderate levels (5 and 3) with 30 minutes of safe exposure. To safeguard against harmful UV rays, it is crucial for individuals to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Laurentides | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 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 |