Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shimla, India, where the high-altitude climate can lead to increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. With fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, particularly peaking at 12 around noon, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. Shimla's temperate climate, characterized by cool summers and chilly winters, still carries risks of UV exposure during sunny days, making it imperative to check the UV Index regularly. Stay informed, stay protected!
The UV Index for today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity throughout the morning and midday hours. Starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00, the sun quickly escalates its power, peaking at a scorching 12 by 12:00. The day’s maximum is reached at 11:00 with an impressive 11, indicating a need for protection against harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, falling to 10 at 13:00 and gradually diminishing to 5 by 15:00. The evening offers a reprieve, with UV levels dropping to 1 by 17:00 and finally fading to 0 after 19:00. It's wise to embrace sun safety during peak hours today!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | 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 |
Seasonal changes in UV exposure can significantly affect both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index starts at 6, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees a rise to a very high index of 10, reducing safe exposure time to 15 minutes. The peak of UV intensity occurs in the summer months, where April through August exhibit extreme levels, particularly with indices of 11 to 13 and burn times dropping to just 10 minutes. September and October transition back to very high levels, with indices of 10 and 8, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As we approach winter, November returns to a high index of 6, and December settles at a moderate level of 5 with a burn time of 30 minutes. Given this data, it is crucial for everyone to take protective measures, especially during the extreme months of April through August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Shimla | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 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 |