Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Swabi, Pakistan, where the climate is classified as Cfa – a humid subtropical zone that fosters significant sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels is crucial not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for protecting long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 11 around noon, the risks of skin damage and other UV-related ailments increase significantly. By keeping an eye on daily UV forecasts, residents can take necessary precautions against the sun's harmful rays and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days Swabi has to offer while safeguarding their health.
The UV Index today follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking dramatically as the sun climbs. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it rises to 3 by 08:00 and then continues its ascent, reaching 5 by 09:00. The intensity escalates further, peaking at an impressive 11 at 12:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon wears on, the index moderately descends, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and gradually decreasing to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it falls to 4, before tapering off to 1 by 18:00 and remaining constant until 19:00. This hourly breakdown highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, especially when the 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 9 | 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, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, affecting sun exposure and burn risk. High-risk months are primarily concentrated from March to July, where the UV Index peaks, reaching extreme levels of 11 in both May and July and very high levels from March to September. During these months, burn times decrease significantly, with exposure times as short as 10 minutes being sufficient for a burn. As visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to take protective measures, especially in high UV months. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours can help minimize UV exposure and safeguard skin health. In contrast, Fall and Winter months present a lower risk, with UV Index values dropping to moderate to high levels, allowing for safer sun exposure practices.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swabi | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 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 |