Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Dharan, Nepal, as it provides vital information about the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels throughout the day. With high UV readings peaking around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and preserving long-term skin health. Dharan's climate, characterized by a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), exposes individuals to significant UV exposure, particularly during the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals can take proactive measures to protect themselves and enjoy the beautiful sunny days safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 3 at 7 AM. By 8 AM, it climbs to 5, signaling a moderate level of UV radiation. The intensity peaks around 11 AM, reaching a robust 11, which is considered very high. This is the moment when protection is paramount! The UV Index starts to taper off after noon, dipping to 8 at 1 PM, and dropping further through the afternoon, with readings of 5 at 2 PM, 3 at 3 PM, and then declining to 1 by 4 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index plummets to 0 after 6 PM, marking a significant drop in UV risk for the evening. It's crucial to take cover and apply sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 Index levels vary significantly, indicating changing seasonal UV exposure risks. The highest risk months typically occur from March to September, with peaks in July (UV Index 14) and August (UV Index 13), where the exposure category reaches extreme levels, and the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. As the UV Index increases from January's moderate levels to the extreme levels of summer, visitors and residents should take precautions. It’s essential to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially in the high-risk months of May through September, to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, October through December presents lower UV risk, making it safer for outdoor activities with less stringent protection measures needed.
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 |
| Dharan | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |