Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Kanpur, India, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the city's climate characterized by hot summers and varied sunlight exposure, knowing the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak sunlight hours, particularly around 11 AM to 1 PM, UV Index levels can soar to a maximum of 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these rates, you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself while enjoying the sunny days that Kanpur has to offer.
The UV Index for today peaks dramatically as the sun rises, beginning at a modest 2 at 07:00. The intensity quickly escalates, reaching 4 by 08:00 and soaring to 7 by 09:00. By 10:00, the index hits 9, and it reaches its zenith at 11:00 and 12:00, both clocking in at an impressive 10—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 13:00, then sliding to 7 at 14:00. By 15:00, it reduces to 4, and as the day winds down, the index falls to 2 at 16:00, and further to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Remember, it’s crucial to protect your skin during the peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 fluctuates significantly, reflecting varying sun exposure risks. January and February both present a high UV Index of 6, requiring about 25 minutes for skin to start burning. As spring approaches, March ramps up to a very high Index of 8, with an increased burn time of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are April through August, where the UV Index hits 10 (very high) to 12 (extreme), drastically reducing burn times to 10-15 minutes. September and October remain high risk, with indices of 10 and 9, respectively. By November, the UV Index drops back to 6, then further to 5 in December, when the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of March through October, wearing appropriate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during midday hours when the sun’s rays are strongest.
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 |
| Kanpur | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 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 |