Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Islamabad, Pakistan is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels typically reaching 11 during midday hours, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Islamabad's climate features distinct seasonal variations, but the UV radiation can be intense, particularly in summer months. By staying informed about daily UV exposure risks, you can take precautionary measures to enjoy outdoor activities safely while preserving your skin’s health.
The UV Index early in the day starts off modest, peaking at 2 by 07:00 and climbing to a moderate 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, it surges to a robust 6, indicating increasing sun intensity. The heat reaches its zenith at 12:00, hitting an impressive 11, showing that midday is the prime time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, falling to 10 at 13:00, then to 8 by 14:00. By late afternoon, 15:00 sees it drop to 6, and as the sun sets, the index continues to taper off, descending to 3 by 16:00, and eventually settling at a low 0 by 19:00. It’s a day that underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially around noon.
| 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 | 0 | 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 |