Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Thetford-Mines, Canada, where the high UV exposure during the warmer months can impact your skin health significantly. With a climate classified as Dfb, the area experiences distinct seasonal variations, bringing increased sunlight and UV levels that warrant attention. Awareness of UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and reducing long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV readings can soar to levels as high as 8, making it essential to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to safeguard your skin against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, reaching a maximum of 8 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—the peak hours for sun exposure. Starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily increases, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and escalating to 7 at 11:00 AM. This intense exposure continues through the afternoon, maintaining a high of 8 at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. However, by 3:00 PM, it starts to dip to 6 and further drops to 4 at 4:00 PM. The evening brings a welcome respite, with the UV Index falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of overexposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
| Thetford-Mines | 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 |