Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Kovalam, India, where the sun’s intensity can pose significant health risks. With the region's Aw climate contributing to high UV levels, awareness is key in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The UV Index in Kovalam often reaches peak levels around noon, with values soaring to 13, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By regularly monitoring these levels, you can ensure safer outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful beaches while minimizing the risk of UV-related health issues.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins subtly, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate level of 6, increasing to a striking 10 at 10:00 AM. At 11:00 AM, the intensity reaches its zenith with a sharp 12, and by 12:00 PM, it hits a scorching 13. The afternoon witnesses a gradual decline, with UV levels dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, followed by a swift descent to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, UV exposure diminishes, falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV index ends the day at 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from sun exposure. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits distinct seasonal changes, peaking during the early months of the year, particularly from April to September, where values reach as high as 15 in April and 14 in August and September, indicating an extreme exposure category with a very quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of February, March, and October also sustain high UV levels at 13, while even November and December maintain a very high exposure category of 10, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Given these data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April through September, by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Kovalam | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |