Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the beautiful hills of Ilam, Nepal, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak levels reaching up to 12 at midday, residents and visitors alike must be aware of sun exposure risks, particularly as they engage in outdoor activities. Excessive UV exposure can lead to painful sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to monitor UV levels throughout the day. Situated in a Cwa climate zone, Ilam experiences varied weather patterns, but the high altitude intensifies UV radiation, especially during the summer months. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking pattern of intensity. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index peaks at 4, indicating mild conditions, before rapidly escalating. By 9:00 AM, it hits 9, and at 10:00 AM, it reaches its maximum of 12—a level that signifies very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This intensity carries through to 11:00 AM, before beginning a gradual decline. As the afternoon stretches on, values drop to 6 by 2:00 PM, and diminish even further to 3 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the sun retreats, reducing the index to 1 by 5:00 PM and eventually to 0 after 6:00 PM. Staying aware of these fluctuations is essential for planning safe outdoor activities!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 higher risks occurring during the summer months. March marks the beginning of an increase in UV levels, peaking in July with a UV Index of 15, which falls under the extreme exposure category and results in a burn time of only 10 minutes. This intensity persists through August and begins to slightly decrease in September before dropping again into the very high category in October and November. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus concentrated from March to September, particularly emphasizing the extreme months of April through August. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to limit sun exposure. In contrast, January, February, and December present reduced yet still noteworthy UV levels, advising consistent sun safety even in the winter months.
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 |
| Ilam | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Pokhara UVI | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 |