Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shillong, India, given its unique climate and sun exposure patterns. The peaks in UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, can pose significant risks for sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues. In the Cwa climate zone, where the monsoon brings varying weather conditions, awareness of UV levels helps you protect your skin while enjoying the stunning landscapes. With a maximum UV Index reaching up to 14 at midday, being informed can mean the difference between a delightful day outdoors and an unfortunate sunburn. Stay savvy about the UV Index to safeguard your skin health and make the most of your time in this beautiful hill station!
The UV Index today begins with a moderate level of 5 at 7:00 AM, climbing sharply as the sun rises higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it hits a significant 11, peaking at a maximum of 14 at 11:00 AM—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually diminishes, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM and then significantly tapering off to 3 by 3:00 PM. The sun starts to wane, and by 6:00 PM, the UV Index is a mere 0, indicating it's safe to enjoy outdoor activities without sunburn concerns. Stay vigilant during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 09:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking in the summer months. From January (UV Index 6, high exposure) to February (UV Index 7, high exposure), the UV levels begin to rise, but the most concerning months for high UV exposure are March to September, reaching an extreme level of 14 in both June and July. During this period, burn times decrease to about 10 minutes, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions. Particularly high-risk months are April and May with UV indices of 11 and 13, respectively. As summer transitions into fall, tapering down to very high indices of 10 in October and 8 in November, awareness remains important. It’s advisable for everyone to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen, especially during peak UV hours, to minimize risks associated with sun exposure throughout the year.
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 |
| Shillong | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 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 |