Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pokhara, Nepal, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its beautiful landscapes and high-altitude sun exposure, residents and visitors alike must be aware of UV levels throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, UV Index readings can escalate to a significant 14, highlighting the potential risks associated with summer outings in this lovely region. Being informed about UV intensity helps individuals take proactive measures, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun amidst Pokhara's unique Cwb climate, which also brings intermittent cloud cover but doesn’t significantly reduce UV exposure.
The UV Index today presents a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 14 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early risers will notice a moderate 4 at 7:00 AM that quickly escalates, reaching a robust 10 by 9:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it becomes crucial to take precautions—sunscreen and protective clothing are highly recommended. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV index settles at 0—perfect for evening strolls! Stay sun-smart during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | 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 | 5 | 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 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 |