Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Joshimath, India, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The elevated UV levels, peaking at 15 around midday, present significant risks for both residents and visitors in this beautiful yet high-altitude locale. Understanding these UV levels is vital for safeguarding against harmful exposure, especially as the climate here trends towards high altitude tundra (ET), where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. By staying informed about the UV Index, you empower yourself to enjoy the stunning surroundings while protecting your skin from damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 3 at 07:00. By 08:00, it escalates to 6, signaling the potential for moderate sun exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00, reaching a maximum of 12, and hits its highest point of 15 between 11:00 and 12:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually descends, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and further to 7 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels diminish sharply, plummeting to 3 at 16:00 and settling at a minimal 1 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the warmer months. From March through October, the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category, with the highest values of 14-15 occurring in May, June, July, and August, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. These months represent high-risk periods for sun exposure, and residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and seeking shade. Conversely, the UV Index drops notably during the winter months, with November and December showing a high category at 6-7, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. Nonetheless, it's prudent to remain vigilant about sun safety year-round, especially in the very high category seen in January and February with burn times of just 15 minutes.
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 |
| 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 |
| Joshimath | 8 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 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 |