Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Pathankot, India, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Awareness of ultraviolet (UV) levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With typical UV indices peaking at 10 during midday, the risk of harmful exposure increases sharply. Given Pathankot's climate, characterized by warm summers and the potential for high UV radiation, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a vital difference in safeguarding your skin from damage. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun’s rays!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's intensity peaks with a striking 10 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 1:00 PM, the index remains strong at 9, but starts to decline to 7 by 2:00 PM. Early afternoon light gives way to a safer environment as the index sinks to 5 at 3:00 PM, then further drops to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index descends into the low range, resting at 1 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 after 7:00 PM—a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak sun hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from February to September. The UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12 in May, July, and August, with significantly low burn times of just 10 minutes; thus, visitors and residents should take extreme caution and prioritize sun protection during this period. The months of March and April also experience very high levels of UV exposure, urging individuals to limit time in direct sunlight and utilize protective measures. As autumn settles in, the UV Index drops from 9 in September to 5 in November and 4 in December where the risk level moderates, allowing for safer outdoor activities. For optimal sun safety, it is crucial to be vigilant from February to September, employing sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade as necessary.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathankot | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |