Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The intense sunlight typical of the region's BWh climate can lead to dangerous UV levels, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a staggering 12. Understanding these levels is essential for preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and promoting long-term skin health. With UV exposure rising sharply from 8 AM and reaching critical levels by 11 AM, it's important to take protective measures during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00, gradually gaining momentum. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling a gentle increase in solar intensity. The real heat hits by 10:00, where it peaks at 8, and reaches its zenith at 12:00 with a striking 12—a strong reminder to seek shade and reapply sunscreen. The afternoon maintains high levels of UV exposure but begins to wane by 15:00, dropping to 6. As the day winds down, the index gracefully descends, hitting 2 by 17:00 and returning to a tranquil 1 at 18:00, finishing the day at 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the critical times for sun protection, especially from 11:00 to 14:00, when UV rays are at their most intense.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which indicate the strength of ultraviolet radiation and the potential for skin damage. January and December feature moderate UV levels (index 5), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As we move through the year, February sees a rise to a high index of 7. The risk escalates significantly from March to August, where the index reaches an extreme category of 12, requiring protective measures within 10 minutes of sun exposure. April and July present the highest risk with mean values of 11-12. In contrast, September and October experience a slight decline, but still feature very high UV levels. November returns to high exposure, while the cycle resets in December with moderate risk. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months from March to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting midday sun exposure.
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 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 |
| Rahim Yar Khan | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Karachi UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 |