Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Waswanipi, Canada, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and reducing the risk of long-term skin issues. With a subarctic Dfc climate, residents are exposed to varying UV risks throughout the day. Typically peaking at an intense UV Index of 8 between 12 PM and 2 PM, it's vital to take precautions during those hours to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin’s health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 2, but it’s by 9:00 AM that we see a moderate rise to 3. The intensity peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, hitting a high of 8, indicating that sun protection methods should be in full swing. As the afternoon progresses, values slightly decrease, with the UV Index dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and then gradually retreating to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety during the mid-day hours when UV exposure 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 | 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 | 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 reflects significant seasonal changes, influencing sun safety for both visitors and residents. The highest risk months for UV exposure are May to July, when the index reaches its peak at 9 in June, indicating a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, attention should be heightened, particularly in April with an index of 7 (high) and a burn time of 25 minutes, as well as in August and September, when the index remains in the high range. Conversely, the winter months—January, November, and December—present a low UV risk, with indices between 1 and 2 and extended burn times of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures during high UV months, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, while enjoying more relaxed sun safety practices in the cooler months.
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 |
| Waswanipi | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 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 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |