Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Bardiya, Nepal, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the region's Cwa climate offering plenty of sunshine, understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM, UV exposure can reach dangerous levels, with indexes soaring to 10—a reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Bardiya landscape while safeguarding your skin from its harshest rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 12:00, reaching a maximum of 10, meaning it’s crucial to stay shaded and apply sunscreen during these hours. The numbers start to decline after 1:00 PM, with the index dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM, then further easing to 6 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to 4 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM, and eventually to 0 after sunset, reminding us that while the daytime sun can be intense, the evening cools both temperature and UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |