Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gorakhpur, India, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cwa) and abundant sunshine can lead to significant UV exposure. Being aware of UV levels throughout the day helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, particularly during peak hours, when the index reaches its highest of 8 around noon. With typical UV exposure risks peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, knowing when and how to protect yourself can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely while maintaining skin vitality.
The UVI hourly data reveals a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a mild 2, rising steadily as the hours pass. By 10:00, it peaks at an impressive 7, just before hitting 8 at both 11:00 and 12:00, indicating optimal sun exposure for outdoor activities—though caution is advised! As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline sets in, with readings of 7 at 13:00 and 5 at 14:00. By 15:00, the index drops to 3, and it continues to fall, reaching 1 by 16:00-18:00. Finally, as the day winds down, the UV Index descends to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of peak sun hours. Overall, it's a day with a clear peak in UV intensity around midday, perfect for planned sun-smart activities while remaining aware of the shifting UV levels.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 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 experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 5) to February (UV Index 6), the levels remain moderate to high, with a relatively safe burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March and April, the index climbs dramatically, reaching 10 and 11 respectively, indicating very high to extreme exposure risk and reducing burn times to just 15 minutes. The months of June to August experience the highest UV readings, peaking at 12 in July, urging both visitors and residents to adopt rigorous sun protection measures due to the extreme risk of skin damage with a mere 10-minute burn time. As autumn approaches, UV levels decrease, dropping to 9 in October and returning to 6 by November, when protective measures can be relaxed again. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant about UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, and to utilize sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Gorakhpur | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |