Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kotdwara, India, is essential for both residents and visitors alike, as it plays a critical role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a subtropical highland climate, Kotdwara experiences notable fluctuations in UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a dangerous level of 10 around noon. As UV levels rise rapidly, especially from late morning to early afternoon, it's crucial to stay informed about these indexes to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks for skin damage. Stay aware, stay protected!
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic ascent as the sun rises. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the intensity climbs steadily to 4 by 08:00. However, the real peak arrives between 11:00 and 12:00, where it hits a striking 10, indicating the highest risk for unprotected skin. After this zenith, the index gently descends, falling to 9 at 13:00 and tapering down to 4 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index drops further to 2 at 16:00 and ends the day at a safe 0 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder to embrace sun safety during those peak hours when the UV exposure is at its strongest!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index increases from 5 to 6, indicating a shift from moderate to high exposure risk, with a corresponding decrease in burn time from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The danger escalates sharply in March, where the index reaches 9, classified as very high with just 15 minutes of burn time. This trend continues into April, May, and June, maintaining a UV Index of 10 and emphasizing the need for caution. The peak risk months are July and August, with values soaring to 12 and 11 respectively, classified as extreme, where only 10 minutes of exposure can result in burns. As the year progresses into September and October, the index remains high, yet slightly less severe, at 10 and 8. The risk drops significantly in November and December as the index declines to 5 and 4, corresponding to a return to moderate levels and longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions—using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly from March to October when UV exposure poses the highest risk.
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 |
| Kotdwara | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |