Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the health and well-being of residents and visitors in Haines Junction, Canada. With its subarctic climate and extended daylight during summer, knowing the UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. During peak hours, especially between noon and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 7, indicating significant risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these daily fluctuations, you can enjoy Haines Junction's stunning landscapes while prioritizing your skin health and overall safety.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at dawn with a mild index of 1 at 07:00, the sun's rays gradually strengthen, reaching 3 by 10:00. As noon approaches, the UV Index surges to its peak at 7 by 14:00, signaling high exposure risk. However, this strength begins to wane as afternoon gives way to evening, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 2 by 19:00. Make sure to protect your skin during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun is at its most powerful!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, indicating the importance of sun safety awareness for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV exposure remains low (Index 1-2) with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, the index increases to 3 in March and 5 in April, marking the onset of moderate exposure, where a burn can occur in 30 minutes. The summer months of May through August present the highest risk, with an Index of 7 in May, June, and July, and 6 in August, categorizing this period as high exposure with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As fall approaches, the risk mitigates, dropping to 5 in September and 3 in October, before returning to low exposure in November and December. Given these fluctuations, it is crucial for the public to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haines Junction | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 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 |