Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Lahore, Pakistan, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can significantly impact skin health and overall well-being. With a BSh climate, Lahore experiences intense sunlight, especially in the summer months, leading to an increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By tracking the UV levels throughout the day—from a moderate 3 in early morning to a peak of 10 at noon—citizens can take proactive measures to protect themselves, making awareness of the UV Index not just important, but essential for maintaining skin health and enjoying the warm, sunny climate safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking score of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts off mild, with readings at 7:00 AM showing a minimal 2, gradually escalating to 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching 6 by 9:00 AM. The most intense UV radiation occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it hits 9 and remains high at 8 for a brief period thereafter. The afternoon witnesses a gentle decline, with the index dropping to 7 at 2:00 PM, then easing further to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, conditions become safer with values falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM, and concluding the day at a reassuring 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting exposure risks throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level of 4-5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. By March, the index sharply rises to 9, categorized as very high, and continues through April and May, where it peaks at 10. The summer months of July and August reach an extreme level of 11, significantly lowering burn time to just 10 minutes. As temperatures cool in September with a UV Index of 8, the risk remains considerable. October shows a drop to a high level of 6 before falling back to moderate levels of 4 in both November and December. Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take extra precautions during March to August, particularly on days with a UV Index of 10 or higher, by seeking shade, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 | 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 |