Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Haridwar, India, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, it's essential to be aware of these measurements to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Haridwar's humid subtropical climate (Cwa) means that the sun's rays can be particularly harsh, especially in the summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of this sacred city while taking necessary precautions to protect your skin from harmful exposure.
The UV Index provides a vital insight into sun exposure throughout the day, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon hours. At 07:00, it starts off low at 2, but by 08:00, it rises to 4, indicating increasing sun intensity. The real surge happens between 09:00 and 12:00, where it climbs dramatically to a maximum of 12 at 11:00 and 12:00. As the sun begins to dip after 13:00, the index gradually decreases to 11 at 1 PM and gently tapers off to 9 at 2 PM. By 3 PM, it continues to decline to 6, and by the evening, it reaches a minimal 1 at both 5 PM and 6 PM, finally falling to 0 by 7 PM. This hourly breakdown urges us to protect our skin during the peak hours, especially when the index hits its zenith.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months being from March to August, where values peak at 12 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes during extreme exposure categories. April and May are particularly concerning, with UV Index values reaching 10 and 11, respectively, indicating very high to extreme risk. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. Conversely, from November to February, the UV Index drops to moderate or high levels, suggesting less intense exposure but still necessitating caution to avoid sunburn.
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 |
Haridwar | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 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 |