Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Westmount, Canada, where the climate typically falls under zone Dfb—characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Awareness of UV levels is essential for protecting yourself against harmful sun exposure, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With peak UV indices reaching as high as 8 during midday hours, it's important to be proactive. Knowing when UV levels are highest can help you enjoy the sunshine safely while minimizing risks associated with skin damage. Stay informed to keep your skin protected and healthy!
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 | 7 | high | 25 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 demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with higher values typically occurring during the late spring and summer months. From April through August, UV levels peak, particularly in May and June, where the index reaches 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain UV levels of 8, also classified as very high. High-risk months are particularly concentrated from April to September, where residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during the peak sun hours. Conversely, winter months such as January and December present a much lower risk, with a UV Index of 2 and low exposure category, allowing for more time outdoors without significant risk. It's crucial for everyone to stay informed on local UV levels and adjust sun safety practices accordingly, particularly during the high exposure 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 |
| Westmount | 2 | 4 | 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 |