Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Dawson City, Canada, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation. Understanding the UV levels helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health. With a Dsc climate characterized by variable weather patterns, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach 5 from noon to 3 PM. By monitoring UV exposure, you can enjoy the stunning Northern landscapes while keeping your skin protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, it starts at a mild level of 1, barely noticeable, yet by 09:00, it doubles to 2 as the sun ascends. The intensity continues to increase, reaching 4 at 12:00, and hitting a high of 5 from 13:00 to 16:00—the most critical hours for sun exposure. As the day winds down, the index gradually tapers off, settling back to 3 by 18:00 and 2 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours, especially when the UV Index is at its peak!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 |