Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Pokhara, Nepal, where the stunning landscapes hide a significant risk of UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching up to 15 during midday, awareness of these levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Pokhara's Cwb climate delivers plenty of sunshine, particularly during spring and summer months, which can lead to heightened exposure, especially for those engaging in outdoor activities. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of this enchanting city while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index for today showcases a remarkable pattern as it climbs to its peak during the midday hours. Starting at a modest 3 by 07:00, the index escalates sharply, hitting 6 by 08:00. The intensity reaches a striking 10 by 09:00 and continues to soar, peaking at an impressive 15 from 11:00 to 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and then decreasing to 6 by 15:00. By late afternoon and evening, the UV levels cool down significantly, settling at 3 by 16:00, and dipping to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls to 0 by 19:00, indicating a day where sun protection was vital from morning until early afternoon.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with certain months presenting higher risks than others. January starts with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as we move into February with a UV Index of 9 (very high) and March reaching 12 (extreme), the risk increases sharply, culminating in June through August where it peaks at 15 (extreme) and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. September and October also remain perilous, with UV indices of 14 and 12, respectively. High-risk months are concentrated from February to October, particularly during the summer, so it’s crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, November and December see a slight reduction in risk, with UV Indices dropping to 8 and 6, but vigilance should still be maintained.
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 |
Pokhara | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 |