Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kargil, India, is essential for anyone who wants to protect their skin and overall health from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at a striking 16 around noon, awareness of these readings can help residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin issues. Kargil's high-altitude climate fosters intense sun exposure, making it crucial to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes or going about your daily routine, keeping an eye on the UV Index ensures you can enjoy the sunshine safely and stylishly.
As the sun rose at 07:00, the UV Index began its gradual ascent, peaking with maximum intensity at 12:00, reaching a striking 16. The intensity ramped up swiftly, hitting 15 at 11:00 and soaring to 13 by 10:00. 09:00 marked a vital threshold as it climbed to 10, making midday the most crucial time for sun safety. The afternoon brought a gentle decline; from 14:00, the index started dropping, signaling a return to lower levels—a 11 at 14:00 followed by 8 at 15:00. By 16:00, it fell to 4, and as evening approached, the UV exposure lessened significantly, with readings of 2 at 17:00, 1 at 18:00, and 0 by 19:00. Overall, the day reflected a dynamic UV pattern, emphasizing the importance of sun protection, especially during the 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with particularly high-risk months from February to October. During March through October, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 to 16, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes; thus, this period is critical for sun safety. February sees a shift to a very high exposure category (UV Index 8) with a burn time of just 15 minutes. Conversely, from November to January, the UV Index drops to high (7) in November and moderate (5) in December, allowing for safer sun exposure with burn times extending to 25-30 minutes. It’s crucial for visitors and residents to take preventive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the highest risk months to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Kargil | 7 | 8 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |