UV Index in Varanasi, India

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Varanasi, India is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As sun exposure varies throughout the day, being aware of the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Varanasi's Cwa climate, the city experiences strong sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, when the UV Index peaks at a remarkable 10. This makes it essential for locals and visitors alike to monitor UV levels and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi while keeping their skin protected.

Hourly UV Index in Varanasi

The UV Index today starts off relatively modest, peaking at 2 by 07:00, before steadily rising as the sun climbs. By 10:00, it reaches 9, signaling a strong need for sun protection. The highest intensity is observed at 11:00 with a UV Index of 10, marking the day’s critical period for UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, hovering around 8 at 13:00 and gradually dropping to 5 by 14:00. By 15:00, it's down to 3, and the sun starts to wane, bringing the UV level to a mere 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dips to 0 after 19:00, allowing for a safer outdoor experience as daylight fades. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	9	very high	15 min
13:00	8	very high	15 min
14:00	5	moderate	30 min
15:00	3	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Varanasi

As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly affecting sun exposure risks for both visitors and residents. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, with the peak occurring in July and August, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in April and May, the UV Index registers a very high level of 10. January and February also present considerable risks with a high UV Index of 6 and 7, leading to a burn time of 25 minutes. To minimize the risk of UV damage, it is advised to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly in the summer months. Remember, even when the UV Index is lower in November and December, protective measures are still essential to ensure skin safety.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Varanasi, India

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Varanasi. 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 Varanasi, 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 Varanasi UV Index with Other India Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Varanasi 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.

Varanasi'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
Varanasi	6	7	9	10	10	9	12	12	11	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