Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bardiya, Nepal, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels reaching their peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM—with an alarming maximum of 12—it’s essential to understand the potential risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. The region's Cwa climate contributes to significant UV exposure, especially during the dry seasons. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin health against harmful effects.
The UV Index data reveals a dramatic morning climb, peaking at 12 around 11:00 AM, indicating a high level of ultraviolet radiation. From a relatively mild start at 2 at 07:00, the intensity sharply escalates, reaching its zenith with a reading of 10 by 10:00 AM. As the day progresses into the afternoon, the index begins to decline gradually, with readings of 10 at 13:00 and tapering down to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV levels drop significantly, resting at 1 by 17:00, and fading to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, but by February, it increases to a high of 6. The most critical months for UV exposure are March through August, where the index climbs to an extreme level of 12 in July and August, resulting in a burn time as brief as 10 minutes. September and October remain notable, with a very high index of 10 and 9, respectively. As winter approaches in November and December, the UV Index drops back to moderate levels of 5, allowing for longer burn time once again. It is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during high-risk months—particularly from March through August—such as wearing appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to mitigate the risks associated with heightened UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bardiya | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 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 |