Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dawson City is crucial for both residents and visitors to protect skin health and prevent sunburn. The UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking at a moderate rating of 5 between 1 PM and 3 PM, highlighting the importance of sun safety during these hours. Dawson City's climate, characterized by its Dsc zone, can lead to unexpected UV exposure, especially during summer months when outdoor activities are popular. Being informed about the UV Index empowers you to take proactive steps in safeguarding your skin, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful Yukon outdoors while minimizing health risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gently begins to climb, starting at a minimal level of 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 2, indicating that some sun protection is advisable. The intensity increases significantly as the day progresses, hitting 3 by 10:00 AM and peaking at 5 between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM—the time when sun safety measures are crucial. 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM see the index at a solid 4, emphasizing the need for sunblock and hats. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the index gradually declines, settling back down to 3 by 6:00 PM and dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This hourly progression highlights the importance of staying vigilant against UV exposure, particularly during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes present a clear pattern, with the highest UV Index values occurring during the summer months of April through September. Specifically, April to August see UV levels peaking at 5, categorized as moderate exposure risk, with a suggested burn time of just 30 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of December through February exhibit a much lower UV Index of 1, indicating a low risk for exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. Based on this data, high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August. Visitors and residents are advised to take proper precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson City | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 |
| 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 |