Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in New Delhi, India is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With the city's climate characterized as Cwa, residents face elevated UV exposure, especially during the peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when indices can soar to a staggering 12. Being aware of these levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns, but also protects long-term skin health and reduces the risk of serious conditions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while minimizing your risk of sun damage!
The UV index today presents a dynamic landscape of sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting off at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 12 at noon—the highest UV level of the day. This midday surge indicates that sun protection is essential during these hours. Following this zenith, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and tapering off to a calm 1 by 5:00 PM, before finally settling to a safe 0 as darkness falls at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant, especially during the midday hours, and make sure to safeguard your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically found from March to August. Notably, the months of July and August record an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. March to June also sees very high UV levels, peaking at 10, where a brief exposure can lead to sunburn within 15 minutes. Conversely, winter months such as January, November, and December present a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to exercise caution during high-risk months, particularly from March through August, by using sunscreen, wearing 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Delhi UVI | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Mumbai UVI | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Ahmedabad UVI | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Hyderabad UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |