Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Thurso, Canada is crucial for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health, especially as the region experiences its share of sunny days. With a climate classified as Dfb, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, Thurso residents must be mindful of varying UV exposure risks throughout the year. Knowledge of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, as evidenced by fluctuating daytime indices peaking at 9 between noon and early afternoon. By staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
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 |
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 |
| Ottawa UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Thurso | 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 |