Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding local UV levels can guide residents and visitors in making safe outdoor choices, especially during peak exposure times. With a climate characterized as Dfb, the area experiences significant seasonal variations, yet summer months can usher in elevated UV risks, peaking at an index of 8 around midday. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenes without compromising your skin's well-being.
Starting early in the morning, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually rising through the hours. By 09:00, it reaches 4, marking the onset of stronger sunlight. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, with a robust 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From there, it starts to gradually decline, dipping to 6 by 15:00 and falling further to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index decreases significantly, dropping back to 1 by 18:00 and maintaining that lower level until evening. This day’s UV trends serve as a reminder to protect your skin during peak hours, especially when the index is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, highlighting the need for awareness among visitors and residents. January and December register the lowest levels of UV exposure (Index 2), categorized as low, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. As the seasons change, February and March see a slight increase, reaching a moderate exposure category (Index 3 and 5) with 30 minutes burn time. The risk escalates sharply from April to August, with a peak in May and June at a very high level (Index 9) and a minimal burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain similar intensity before gradually tapering off in September with high risk (Index 7) and 25 minutes burn time. By October to November, conditions return to moderate, signaling a gradual decrease in UV exposure. Therefore, it’s crucial for everyone to protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when the UV Index is at its highest.
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 |
| Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |