Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Islamabad, Pakistan is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its Cwa climate, Islamabad experiences significant sun exposure, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon when UV levels can soar to 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Regularly checking UV levels helps you enjoy the sunny days while staying safe under the sun.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting with a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at an impressive 11 at noon, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. The index begins to taper off in the afternoon, with readings of 10 at 1:00 PM and 8 at 2:00 PM, before gradually decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index returns to a more moderate 3 at 4:00 PM, and continues to decline, settling at 1 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday sun demands respect, making awareness of UV levels essential for outdoor safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. During this period, particularly in May, June, and July, the UV Index peaks at 11, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. March and April also present elevated indices of 9, indicating very high risk, necessitating cautious sun exposure. The high-risk months for UV radiation are therefore March through August, where residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the indices drop significantly in fall and winter, with December having the lowest at 3, categorized as moderate. It is essential for everyone to stay informed about UV levels year-round to protect their skin effectively.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |