Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prince Albert, Canada, particularly during the warmer months when sun exposure increases. By knowing the UV levels, you can effectively protect yourself from sunburn and safeguard your skin health. Prince Albert, with its Dfc climate, experiences variable UV exposure that can peak at levels 7 to 8 around midday—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these risks allows you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing potential dangers to your skin.
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, UV index levels exhibit seasonal variations, with high-risk months occurring primarily from May to August. The UV index peaks in June and July at a very high level of 8, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. While the months of January, November, and December present low exposure risks, as reflected by their low UV index of 2 or 1 and burn times of 45 minutes, visitors and residents should exercise caution during the peak summer months. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, especially when the UV index is at 5 or above. Staying informed about UV levels can help minimize the risk of sunburn and promote safe outdoor activities year-round.
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 |
| Prince Albert | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 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 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |