Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Quetta, Pakistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With its semi-arid climate, Quetta experiences significant UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon, when UV levels can soar as high as 13—a level that poses serious risks for skin burns and long-term health issues. By monitoring the UV Index, residents can take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect their skin health, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful sunny days without the adverse effects of overexposure. Stay informed, stay safe, and make the most of Quetta's sunny climate!
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index starts off low at 1, making it a safe time for early risers. As the sun ascends, the index rises steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 AM. By 09:00 AM, it climbs to 6, indicating that sun protection becomes increasingly important. The real surge occurs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where the UV Index peaks significantly at 9 and then hits its maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM—a crucial window for being mindful of sun exposure. The intensity begins to taper off after 13:00 PM, dropping to 11 at 14:00 PM, and further declining to 8 by 15:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV index falls to 5 at 16:00 PM, then further dwindles to 3 by 17:00 PM, and returns to a safe 1 by 18:00 PM, finally settling at 1 again by 19:00 PM. For those spending time outdoors, it's vital to take precautions during the peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 14 in May and July, with a dangerously quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, the high-risk months of January and February still maintain a UV index of 6-7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes, while October drops to 9, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage and sunburn. As the season advances into the cooler months, UV exposure decreases significantly, especially in December, where the UV Index falls to 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer safe exposure times.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawalpindi UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Lahore UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Faisalabad UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Multan UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Karachi UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Quetta | 6 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |