Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Manali, India, where the stunning landscapes come with a hidden risk: harmful UV radiation. With altitude and clear skies common in this beautiful hill station, awareness of UV levels is essential for preserving skin health and preventing sunburn. In Manali’s Dwb climate, UV exposure can peak dramatically from 10 AM to 1 PM, reaching levels as high as 16—a reminder to protect yourself and embrace safe sun habits. By tuning into the UV Index, you can enjoy the fresh mountain air without compromising your skin’s well-being.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in sun intensity. At 7:00 AM, it starts modestly at 3, but by 9:00 AM, it escalates to a striking 10, signaling that sun safety measures are essential. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with a blistering 16 marking high risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off—15 at 1:00 PM, dropping to 12 by 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, the UV levels fall to a safer 8 and continue to decrease, reaching 4 at 4:00 PM. As the sun descends, the UV Index dwindles to 1 by 6:00 PM, making evening outdoor activities relatively safe. Overall, it's a day that underscores the importance of sun protection during the crucial midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking in the spring and summer months. March to October are identified as high-risk months, with the UV Index reaching extreme levels of 16 to 17 from March to August, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. January and February have a very high risk, with a UV Index of 8 to 9 and slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As the year ends, November sees a return to very high levels while December drops to a high index of 6, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen to mitigate the risk of UV exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause harm, so it's essential to stay vigilant all year round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Manali | 8 | 9 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 |