Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Skardu, Pakistan, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With Skardu's unique Dfb climate, the region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around midday when the UV Index can soar to 16. Being aware of these fluctuations helps individuals protect themselves from harmful radiation, ensuring outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Skardu while keeping your skin healthy!
As the sun rises, UV Index levels gradually climb, beginning at a moderate 3 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to a notable 6, but the real intensity kicks in by 9:00 AM, peaking at an impressive 16 by 12:00 PM. The hours leading up to noon are crucial, with 11:00 AM seeing a high of 15 and 1:00 PM just slightly dropping to 14. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline: it dips to 11 at 2:00 PM, falls further to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continues down to 5 at 4:00 PM. The evening brings a significant decrease, settling at 2 by 5:00 PM and dwindling to a minimal 1 from 6:00 PM onward. Emphasizing the importance of sun protection, this data illustrates the critical hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risks observed from February to September. The peak months for UV exposure are March to June, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 14 to 17 and the burn time reduces dramatically to just 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take proper precautions during these months, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In contrast, January and November show high levels with a UV Index of 6 to 7, allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes, while December and January pose moderate risks with a UV Index of 5. To ensure safety and protect skin health, it is advisable to stay vigilant during high-risk months and adjust sun protection strategies accordingly.
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 |
| Skardu | 6 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |