Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Pithoragarh, India, where the climate—classified as Cwa—brings unique exposure risks to harmful ultraviolet rays. As UV levels soar during peak sunlight hours, especially around 11 AM - 1 PM when they can reach a critical 12, being aware of these changes can help in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. With typical outdoor activities prevalent in this picturesque region, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for everyone. Stay informed and protect yourself from the potential hazards of UV radiation while enjoying Pithoragarh’s stunning landscape.
The UV Index peaks dramatically throughout the morning and early afternoon, starting at a moderate 3 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it escalates to a striking 12 by 11:00 AM and remains there until 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 1:00 PM, it dips slightly to 11, but begins to decline more steeply after that, falling to 5 by 3:00 PM and dropping to 1 by late afternoon. Finally, as the day winds down to 7:00 PM, the index settles at 0, showcasing a clear shift in sun intensity and the diminishing need for sun protection. Always be mindful of these variations throughout the day to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant variation, with the highest risk months being March through September. During these months, the UV index often reaches extreme levels, peaking in July with a UV index of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January and February see a high UV index of 6 and 7, respectively, allowing for a longer exposure time of 25 minutes. As we transition into October, the risk decreases to a very high index of 9, before dropping to a moderate level of 5 in December. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during high-risk months, especially between March and September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and minimizing direct sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Pithoragarh | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |