Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gull Lake, Canada, where the sunny, Dfb climate brings both warmth and potential risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 3 PM, reaching as high as 9, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe. Whether you're soaking up the sun by the lake or exploring the beautiful landscapes, staying educated about UV exposure is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining your health.
The UV Index today shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking in the midday sun. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to reach 8 by 12:00, just before the sun reaches its zenith. The intensity spikes to its highest point of 9 at 13:00, remaining high until 14:00, when it begins to taper off. By 15:00, it drops to 7, continuing its downward trend to 4 by 17:00, and then easing back to the safer 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect yourself during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun’s rays are strongest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, reflecting varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and November see low UV levels (Index 2) with lengthy burn times of 45 minutes, while December has the lowest (Index 1). As spring approaches, February and March present moderate levels (Index 3 and 5), with burn times decreasing to 30 minutes. April and May mark the onset of very high UV exposure (Index 8), with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. This intensity continues through the peak summer months of June and July, maintaining a high Index of 9, before tapering slightly in August and September (8 and 7). By October, the UV Index returns to moderate levels (Index 4), allowing for longer exposure (30 minutes). Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April through September, where minimal exposure times can lead to sunburn. It is recommended to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak UV hours for skin safety.
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 |
| Gull Lake | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 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 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |