Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lahore, Pakistan, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and a potential health hazard. With the city experiencing a BSh climate, it faces significant UV exposure, especially during the hotter months. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as high UV readings—reaching up to 10 during midday—can lead to serious skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, Lahoris can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and safeguard their skin's well-being.
The UV Index journey throughout the day paints a striking picture of sun intensity. Starting at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the rays gradually pick up steam, climbing to 3 at 8:00 AM. The real highlight comes at 10:00 AM, where the index peaks at a blistering 8, reaching its maximum of 10 by 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This is the moment to bask in the sunshine—but don't forget your sunscreen! As the afternoon rolls in, the UV Index begins its descent, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM and tapering off to 4 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, it dwindles down to a safe 1 at 5:00 PM, ultimately settling at 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of the day’s sun exposure. Stay protected and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |