UV Index in Chennai, India

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Chennai, India, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sky-high UV levels, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, awareness of these readings can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Chennai’s tropical Aw climate intensifies exposure risks, making it imperative for residents and visitors to stay informed. By tracking daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures—such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—to enjoy the beautiful sun while keeping your skin healthy and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Chennai

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Early risers at 07:00 experience a mild level of 2, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity surges. By 10:00, it reaches a peak of 10, and the midday hours from 11:00 to 12:00 are even more intense, with a UV Index of 12—the point at which protective measures become essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 before easing to 4 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and eventually fading to 0 after 18:00. To make the most of the sun, enjoy the morning hours, but be cautious during peak times and keep that sunscreen handy!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	7	high	25 min
15:00	4	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Chennai

The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months with extreme levels. February to October marks the high-risk period for UV exposure, especially from March to October, where the UV Index reaches its highest at 14 in April. Burn times are notably short during these months, often just 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for sun protection. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to minimize sun exposure during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. In contrast, January, November, and December see a decline in UV levels to very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes, still warranting caution. Stay vigilant throughout the year to ensure your skin remains protected against UV damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Chennai, India

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Chennai. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Chennai, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Chennai UV Index with Other India Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Chennai compares to other major locations across India. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Chennai's solar exposure compared to other cities in India. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Chennai	9	12	13	14	12	12	13	13	13	11	10	9
Bengaluru UVI	11	13	13	14	13	14	14	14	14	12	11	10