Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Darjiling, India, as it provides essential insights into the sun's intensity and potential risks associated with overexposure. With high UV levels peaking around midday, knowledge of these fluctuations can help protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it vital for maintaining overall skin health. Nestled in a Cwb climate zone, Darjiling experiences significant UV exposure, especially during sunny days, where values can soar as high as 14 around noon. Staying informed about the UV Index can empower individuals to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index data reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity throughout the morning, peaking at 14 during the midday hour of 11:00. Initially, from 07:00, the index starts at a manageable 4, but as the sun climbs higher, it reaches a striking 10 by 09:00 and escalates to its highest point of 13 at 10:00. Post-noon, the UV levels begin to gradually decline, dropping to 10 by 13:00, then plummeting to 4 by 15:00. As the day unfolds, the intensity wanes significantly, with levels falling to 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe end to sun exposure. This data serves as a reminder to stay protected during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00, when UV levels are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September, when values peak at 14 during the summer months. Visitors and residents should take particular caution during this period, especially in April, May, June, July, and August, where the burn time dramatically decreases to just 10 minutes under extreme conditions. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, moving to very high levels in October and November with burn times of 15 minutes, before dropping to moderate and high levels in January and December. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to employ sun protection strategies—such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—during high and extreme UV Index months to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Darjiling | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |