Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nilgiri, India, is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's Aw climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and significant sunlight exposure. During the peak hours — particularly between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the UV Index can soar to 11-12, awareness of UV levels can be the difference between enjoying the sun safely and risking skin damage. With typically high UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential for both locals and visitors to protect their skin health while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Nilgiri.
The UV Index reveals a dramatic peak in sun intensity throughout the day. Early risers will notice moderate levels starting at 07:00 with a UV Index of 3, but things heat up quickly. By 10:00, the Index skyrockets to 11, signaling very high exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, where the Index reaches its maximum of 12, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 13:00 and steadily decreasing to 6 at 14:00. By 16:00, it falls to 1, and by dusk, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with readings of 0 from 18:00 onward. For sunseekers and those planning outdoor activities, the morning to early afternoon is when a protective approach is crucial.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months include May through August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12 to 14, resulting in a minimum burn time of just 10 minutes. March and April also pose a threat with a very high index of 10, allowing for only 15 minutes of safe sun exposure. Conversely, the winter months of January, November, and December show lower levels with a high rating, where the burn time extends to 25 minutes. Given these variations, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety. During the high-risk months, it is advisable to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to prevent harmful effects from intense UV radiation.
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 |
| Nilgiri | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |