Last updated: May 3, 2025
In le Plateau, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for minimizing the long-term risks of skin damage and conditions such as skin cancer. With a Dfb climate, le Plateau experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at 9 during midday, which presents significant risks even on overcast days. By regularly checking the UV Index, residents can make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring they enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding their skin.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, with a low of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 9 between 12:00 and 13:00, marking the peak of sun intensity. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and further easing to 7 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index continues to decrease, landing back at a mild 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of protective measures during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00, when sun exposure poses the highest risk.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting notable seasonal changes in sun exposure. From January to March, UV levels remain relatively low to moderate, with a maximum index of 5 in March, granting burn times of up to 45 minutes. However, by April, the UV Index spikes to 8, marking the beginning of high-risk months that persist through August, where it reaches a peak of 9. During these critical summer months, burn times drastically shorten to just 15 minutes. As fall approaches in September, the index decreases to 7 but remains a significant high-risk month, with burn time extending to 25 minutes. Moving into winter, both November and December see a return to moderate UV levels, with indices of 3 and 2 respectively, allowing for burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions from April to August, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks of overexposure.
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 |
| Montreal UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| le Plateau | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 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 |