Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Shawinigan, Canada, as it serves as a vital indicator of ultraviolet radiation levels, helping you protect your skin from harmful sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 during midday, it's essential to be aware of these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. Shawinigan’s Dfb climate features warm summers, which can amplify UV risks, making it imperative to stay informed about daily UV levels. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually ramping up as the morning unfolds. By 09:00, it climbs to 4, reaching a more noteworthy 6 at 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index peaks at 9 during the crucial hours of 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane after 14:00, settling to 7 at 15:00 before gradually decreasing to 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin between 11:00 and 14:00 when the sun’s rays are at their most dangerous!
| 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Shawinigan | 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 |