Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Watson Lake, Canada, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage, especially during the summer months when sun exposure peaks. With a Dfc climate that features long daylight hours, the UV Index can reach significant levels—hitting a maximum of 7 during midday. Staying informed about these levels not only enhances your enjoyment of the great outdoors but also promotes safe sun practices in this beautiful, yet sometimes risky, environment.
The UV Index for the day shows a steady climb as the sun rises, starting from a very low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 2, but the real action begins at 10:00 when it jumps to a noticeable 4. The peak of the day occurs at 13:00, where the UV Index hits a noteworthy 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, it dips slightly but remains significant throughout the late afternoon and early evening, hovering around 5 to 6 until 16:00. As the day winds down, the index falls back to a safer 2 by 19:00, marking a gradual retreat from the sun's intense rays. It's a day to enjoy the sun but keep those sunscreens handy during 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a clear seasonal variation, with exposure levels peaking during the warmer months. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from May to August, with indices reaching 6 to 7 and burn times as short as 25 minutes. March and April see moderate levels of UV at indices 3 and 4, while the rest of the year, from October to February, presents low UV exposure with longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. Maintaining awareness of the UV Index can help ensure enjoyable and safe outdoor activities year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watson Lake | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 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 |