Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for residents of Murdochville, Canada, where the unique climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach as high as 8 between noon and 1 PM. With its subarctic climate (Dfc), Murdochville experiences distinct seasonal changes that can heighten UV exposure risks, making it crucial for the community to monitor these levels and protect themselves effectively from harmful UV rays.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic pattern, peaking at 8 between 12:00 and 13:00. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the intensity steadily rises, reaching 7 by 11:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels spike to 6 at 10:00 before hitting their zenith at noon. Post-lunch, the UV Index begins a gentle descent, tapering to 5 by 15:00 and continuing to decline as the sun sets, dropping to a low of 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal changes in sun exposure risk throughout the year. The high-risk months typically occur from April to August, with the highest indices peaking at 9 in May and June, categorizing these months as very high exposure, where the burn time is as short as 15 minutes. As the summer progresses into September, the index decreases to 6, indicating a transition to high exposure conditions. Conversely, the winter months of January, November, and December register low UV indexes (ranging from 1 to 2) with longer burn times of 45 minutes, reflecting lower sun-induced risk. Visitors and residents are advised to take proper precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday hours.
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 |
| Murdochville | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |