Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Surkhet, Nepal, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the Cwa climate offers high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. With UV Index values reaching up to 12 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these risks is essential for both residents and visitors enjoying the sunny outdoors. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the beauty of Surkhet safely.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear peak in intensity around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 12, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index starts at a moderate 3 at 07:00 AM, gradually climbing to a robust 10 by 10:00 AM. Following the midday peak, the UV levels decline steadily, dropping to 5 by 15:00 PM and further declining to a low of 0 by 19:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, it’s critical to stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, to avoid excessive sun exposure.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index presents significant seasonal variations, with peak levels occurring in the summer months. From March to August, UV exposure is particularly high, notably reaching an extreme level of 12-13 during June and July, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take necessary precautions during this period. To minimize skin damage, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, especially during peak hours. As the year progresses into September to November, UV levels decrease, yet remain moderate to high in January and December, where a burn time of 30 minutes is noted. Regardless of the month, being mindful of UV exposure is essential for maintaining skin health year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surkhet | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Biratnagar UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Birganj UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Patan UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Kathmandu UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Pokhara UVI | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 |