Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Val-d'Or, Canada, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. With an average maximum UV Index reaching as high as 8 around midday, the risk of harmful UV radiation increases significantly, making awareness key for both residents and visitors. The Dfb climate of Val-d'Or can lead to surprising exposure risks, even on cloudy days, so staying informed about UV levels allows you to take protective measures and enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're hiking, relaxing in the park, or simply taking a stroll, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference for your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a stark rise in solar intensity as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a noteworthy 8 by 13:00, signaling the need for sun protection during these hours. The intensity remains high at 8 until 14:00, after which it begins to taper off, dropping to 5 by 16:00 and falling further to 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of safeguarding your skin, especially during the midday hours when the UV levels are most hazardous. Remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays when the UV 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. From January to February, the UV levels are relatively low, ranging from 2 to 3, allowing for longer exposure times without risk of sunburn (up to 45 minutes in January). However, March marks the beginning of higher UV exposure, peaking in the summer months of May, June, July, and August, where the index consistently reaches 8 to 9, indicating a very high risk level and a burn time as short as 15 minutes. The fall months of September and October see a decrease in UV levels, though caution is still advised with indices of 6 and 5, respectively. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from April to August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Val-d'Or | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 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 |