Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Butwal, Nepal is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwa climate delivering a mix of warm summers and mild winters, UV exposure can become particularly intense, especially during midday hours. On a typical day, Butwal experiences UV Index levels peaking at 12 around noon, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these UV levels, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to protect their skin and enjoy the beautiful, sun-drenched days safely.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear picture of sun intensity, peaking impressively at 12 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Starting from a mild 3 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily to reach a striking 11 by 10:00 AM, indicating a strong need for sun protection. As the sun is at its highest, the UVI holds steady, emphasizing the importance of staying in the shade or wearing sunscreen during these hours. By 1:00 PM, it begins to taper off, dropping to 10 before significantly declining to 4 by 3:00 PM and then dipping further through the evening. The day concludes with a low 0 at 7:00 PM, signifying that after a powerful midday sun, the UV exposure becomes negligible as the day winds down.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. From March to September, the UV Index reaches its peak, categorizing April to September as high-risk months with UV Index values predominantly in the very high to extreme range. Specifically, June and July present the highest risk, with UV Index levels of 12 and 13, during which the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently. As the year progresses towards October and November, a gradual decline in UV levels signifies a reduction in risk, yet vigilance is still essential, especially in the lingering high exposure months like February and November.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Butwal | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 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 |