Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Dhankuta, Nepal, a region where sunshine plays a significant role in daily life. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially given the area's exposure to high UV radiation during peak hours. With a Cwa climate, Dhankuta experiences varying UV levels throughout the day; for instance, the index reaches a maximum of 14 around noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these UV risks, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful environment safely.
Starting the day at a moderate UV Index of 3 at 7:00 AM, the sun's intensity quickly escalates as it climbs higher in the sky. By 8:00 AM, the UV Index jumps to 7, and by 9:00 AM it reaches a peak of 10—indicating it's essential to gear up for sun protection. As the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the UV Index surges to 13, and then hits its maximum level of 14 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This dangerous exposure requires immediate measures such as sunscreen application and seeking shade. The intensity begins to wane post-noon, dropping to 11 at 1:00 PM, then gently easing to 8 at 2:00 PM, and further down to 4 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index gradually decreases to 2 by 4:00 PM, 1 at 5:00 PM, and finally fading to 0 by 6:00 PM and beyond. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant and protect your skin during the sun's zenith!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 exposure levels vary significantly, with high-risk months from March to September where UV Index ratings reach extreme levels of 11-14, drastically reducing safe burn times to 10 minutes or less. April, May, June, July, and August stand out as critical months for sun safety. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with high SPF. Conversely, January, February, October, November, and December present moderate to high risk with UV Index ratings between 6-9, allowing slightly longer exposure times but still warranting caution. Ensuring proper sun protection year-round is essential for health and safety.
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 |
| 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 |
| Dhankuta | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Pokhara UVI | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 |