UV Index Ottawa
Open-Meteo model predictions for Ottawa. These are estimates, not live UV observations. All times are Ottawa local time.
UV model estimate
0Low
Valid for
Risk is generally low for normal activity. Wear sunglasses on bright days; use extra protection during prolonged exposure or around reflective snow.
Highest available hourly prediction today: UV 3 at 12:00. Missing hours are excluded.
Today's Hourly UV
Today, Nov 1 · model predictions · — means unavailable
7-Day UV Forecast
Predicted daily maximum · — means unavailable
UV Index Scale
Values and categories use the same nearest whole number, following Canadian public UV reporting. Unrounded predictions are retained in the data.
- 0–2 · Low
- Risk is generally low for normal activity. Wear sunglasses on bright days; use extra protection during prolonged exposure or around reflective snow.
- 3–5 · Moderate
- Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen to uncovered skin.
- 6–7 · High
- Reduce time in the sun from 11 am to 3 pm. Use shade, clothing, a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- 8–10 · Very High
- Take extra precautions and avoid direct sun from 11 am to 3 pm. Use shade, clothing, a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- 11+ · Extreme
- Take full precautions. Avoid direct sun from 11 am to 3 pm and protect exposed skin and eyes.
Forecast retrieved by 613today: . This is the retrieval time, not a model publication time. Source: Open-Meteo forecast documentation.
Understanding the UV Index
The UV Index describes the strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Exposure also depends on how long you spend outside. Check the prediction's date and valid time: a missing value is unknown, and a daily maximum describes the predicted peak for that date.
Factors Affecting UV
- UV varies with the sun's height, season and cloud cover.
- UV can still reach you on cool or cloudy days.
- Bright surfaces such as snow, sand and water can increase exposure through reflection.
Sun Protection Tips
- At UV 3 or higher, combine shade, protective clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on uncovered skin; reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Take extra care around midday and when bright snow reflects sunlight.
Ottawa UV Index by Season
Canadian UV exposure risk is generally greater from April to September and around midday. Winter UV is usually lower, but reflective snow and prolonged outdoor activity still matter. Use the dated predictions above instead of a fixed seasonal range.
UV Index Questions
- What UV index requires sunscreen?
- When the UV index is 3 or higher, Health Canada recommends protective clothing, sunglasses and broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin. Use shade and limit midday exposure too.
- When is the UV index highest in Ottawa?
- UV exposure risk in Canada is generally highest near midday, especially from 11 am to 3 pm and from April to September. Check the dated Ottawa forecast rather than assuming a fixed seasonal UV value.
- Is UV index 7 dangerous?
- UV index 7 is in the High category. Reduce time in direct sun between 11 am and 3 pm, seek shade, cover your skin, and use a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen. A UV index does not establish a personal time before sunburn.
- Can you get sunburned on a cloudy day in Ottawa?
- Yes. UV can reach your skin through cloud. Use the UV forecast to plan protection rather than judging risk from temperature or visible sunshine alone.
- What is the UV index scale?
- The Canadian scale has five categories: Low 0–2, Moderate 3–5, High 6–7, Very High 8–10, and Extreme 11+. Low means generally minimal risk during normal activity; prolonged exposure and bright, reflective snow still call for protection.
Sources and interpretation
Open-Meteo Weather API supplies model predictions. The same weather snapshot supplies the initial page and its API. 613today checks for updates hourly; a retrieved forecast may be older when its source is unavailable.
Protection guidance checked October 23, 2026: Environment and Climate Change Canada's UV index scale, Health Canada sun safety basics, and ECCC sun safety guidance. Whole-number reporting follows Canada's UV reporting convention.
