Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Malakand, Pakistan, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With maximum UV levels reaching as high as 11 during the peak hours, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin protection. Malakand's Csa climate contributes to varying UV exposure, making it imperative to monitor UV readings daily. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful sun while safeguarding yourself against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a distinct pattern, peaking at a startling 11 at noon, indicating very high sun exposure. As the sun rises, the index grows gradually from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM to a 6 by mid-morning. The intensity reaches its zenith at 11:00 AM with a 10, making it crucial to seek shade or wear sun protection. In the early afternoon, the index maintains a high level at 10, before gradually declining to 6 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of midday sun safety, reminding everyone to take precautions when UV levels are highest.
| 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 | 4 | 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 values exhibit significant seasonal variations, with March to August being the months of highest concern for sun exposure. The UV Index peaks at 11 during May, June, and July, categorizing them as extreme exposure months where the burn time is a brief 10 minutes. Following this, April also presents a very high risk with an index of 10, necessitating caution. September presents a very high risk too, but as the year progresses into fall and winter, the index decreases significantly. Conversely, January, February, November, and December maintain moderate levels, offering a safer environment for outdoor activities. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions—from wearing sunscreen and protective clothing during high-risk months to seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV radiation is typically at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malakand | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 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 |