Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dawson City, Canada, where the Dsc climate brings long summer days that can lead to increased sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, particularly during those peak hours when the UV Index reaches 5 from midday to the early afternoon. With UV levels fluctuating throughout the day, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures, ensuring that your outdoor adventures in this stunning northern landscape remain both enjoyable and safe.
The UV index today exhibits a dynamic progression as the sun climbs higher. Starting early at 07:00 and 08:00, the index remains low at 1, making it a comfortable time to enjoy the outdoors. As the morning rolls on, the UV rays intensify, reaching 2 by 09:00 and 10:00. The highest UV exposure occurs during the peak hours of 12:00 to 14:00, where it soars to a maximum of 5—a point when sun protection becomes essential. Following this peak, you can enjoy a gradual decline in UV levels, dropping to 4 at 16:00 and settling back to 3 by 17:00 and 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV index decreases further to 2 by 19:00, allowing for a more pleasant evening outdoors. Overall, it's advisable to take care between 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | 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 |