UV Index
UV Index
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Today's UV index in Ottawa, Canada 
will be up to 1, indicating low risk of harm from the sun's UV rays for the average person. Check our tips for today to make sure you're safe in the sun.
Today, the UV index suggests low sun danger (0-2) in Ottawa, reaching up to 1. Remember sunglasses and SPF 30+ on sunny days, and be cautious around reflective surfaces like sand, water, and snow for increased UV exposure.
Read more here about the climate and sun exposure in and around Ottawa.
The UV index in Ottawa typically ranges from moderate to high levels throughout the year. During the summer months of June to August, the UV index can reach as high as 8 or 9 (very high), which means it is important to protect your skin with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. In other seasons, such as spring and autumn, the UV index usually remains between 4 and 6 (moderate to high), making sun protection still necessary.
Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring (March to May) starts off cool with temperatures around 5 °C (41 °F) and gradually becomes milder, reaching an average of 15 °C (59 °F) by May. Summer (June to August) brings warm and sometimes hot weather, with average temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 26 °C (68 °F to 79 °F). Autumn (September to November) cools down gradually, with temperatures ranging from 6 °C to 16 °C (43 °F to 61 °F). Winter (December to February) is cold, with temperatures averaging around -10 °C (14 °F) and occasional dips below -20 °C (-4 °F).
Compared to other regions, Ottawa experiences a moderate amount of sun exposure. In the summer, it receives around 14 hours of daylight, while in winter, the daylight hours decrease to about 8 hours. This variation in sunlight influences the temperature fluctuations between seasons. Additionally, Ottawa's position in the northeastern region of North America makes it prone to continental climates, characterized by extreme temperatures and varying weather patterns throughout the year.
The chart above displays the Shortwave Radiation Sum (MJ/m²) for each day of the last year in Ottawa. It's designed to provide you with a better understanding of the yearly weather and sun exposure.