Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Leh, India, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With high elevation comes increased UV radiation, making awareness of UV levels crucial for sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. The unique Dwc climate of Leh results in intense sun exposure, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, when UV levels can soar above 15. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make smarter decisions about sun safety, ensuring that your adventures in this breathtaking region are as safe as they are enjoyable.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at 07:00, the index is a modest 3, making it a safe time for morning activities. However, as the clock strikes 08:00, it ramps up to 6, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take some precautions. By 09:00, the index reaches 9, signaling a peak warning for sun exposure. The sun is at its zenith from 10:00 to 12:00, with a staggering 15 at both hours, marking a critical time for protection against UV rays. Although the UV Index slightly declines past noon, it remains significant—14 at 13:00 and dropping to 11 at 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the numbers fall more steeply: 7 at 15:00, then down to 4 at 16:00. Finally, as daylight fades, it eases to 2 by 17:00 and 1 by 18:00, with a complete reprieve at 19:00 when the index hits 0. This hourly breakdown serves as a timely reminder to stay vigilant and protect your skin during peak sunlight hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
As the UV Index indicates, significant seasonal changes occur throughout the year, with the highest levels typically reached in March through September. During these months, particularly May, June, and July, UV exposure is classified as extreme, with a recommended burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. February also presents a very high risk with a burn time of 15 minutes. Conversely, the risk diminishes in the winter months, with December registering a moderate index of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, to reduce the risk of skin damage while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Leh | 7 | 8 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |